Strenuous exercise after tummy tuck

I have a question for those that have totally recovered from their tummy tuck. How long was it before you could do crunches or play golf? I am 2 months out from an extended tummy tuck and my Dr has released me for most exercise. He said to start slow. I played golf yesterday and was exhausted after nine holes. I'm still a bit sore and feel it when I sit up from a prone position. Feels like I'm sore from doing a ton of crunches. Is it normal to still feel this soreness? Usually I'm a fast healer, I climbed a mountain two months an extended arm and breast lift, no problem. Should I just work through this?

I haven't had a tummy tuck, so I can't answer specifically - but remember it's not just the surgery you're recovering from, but also 2 months of not exercising. So take it easy. :)

The challenge with getting back into exercise after a break is that your body still remembers how to activate those muscles thanks to muscle memory, however, those muscles get out of shape. So you get back to exercising and the muscles still fire the way they used to, but they've gotten weak due to the break. Give it time :)

I think what you experienced is totally normal... It takes time for your body to build back up from non-activity. And while you won't injure yourself, your insides are still healing. I am just one year out from Lower Body lift (360) and I can tell you I still get muscle tightness later on in the day from too much AB work...

Climbing a mountain used more lower body than upper body...and you hadn't had surgery on your lower body yet. Recovery from my extended arm/breast lift was much easier and quicker than LBL.

I'm at 2 months from a regular TT and was just cleared for all exercise last week. Scary how hard it was to do any abdominal exercises! I think it is just that it has been so long it is like starting from scratch again.

I'm more in the 3 month range on allowing direct abdominal exercises and still caution patients who have had more extensive muscle repairs or hernia repairs.

That said, indirect abdominal toning by free weights, good posture, light core work, and a light version of crunches cab go a long way to toning the abdomen without disrupting the repair. Its individualized, so be sure and talk to your doctor.

I cannot answer the strenuous exercise question but I can tell you I am 8 weeks post op tomorrow and like you still feel that discomfort you are referring to. I can also say there is no way I would be able to handle 9 holes of golf.

Keep in mind I also had a breast lift and augmentation done at the same time. My recovery from my tummy tucks seems to have gone easier than my breasts so that may be why?

I would not worry but would just work through it.

Thanks all!

Lisa, I'm 3-1/2 months out and I just saw my surgeon last week and he gave me 100% back to normal exercise. I still have the feeling of tightness and a little tugging going on, but it doesn't hurt to do crunches or sit-ups. I'm no longer sore, just a little numb in the abdominal area. Don't rush the exercise, you're almost there!

Thanks, I'm thinking I'll wait another couple weeks. It's cold here anyway.