The Best Pre-Op Advice I Keep Forgetting to Give!
Hello LWs!
I know that we have a bunch of pre-ops on this board, and as I weigh in about various questions from my own limited view, I keep looking for an opportunity to share this (usually after the fact) but haven't seen a good one. So I thought I'd post separately about it.
For those of you gearing up for surgery, getting your body in shape beforehand is helpful. It's not required, and Lord knows I didn't want to exercise at all at that point. BUT, if you're so willing, I recommend this:
STRENGTHEN YOUR LEGS.
I had pretty strong legs in the hospital and was able to use them to hoist my bulk around when other important muscle groups wanted a break (like the stomach region I'd just rearranged.) It helped so much with getting in and out of the bed (you won't find a recliner in this apartment!) so I did need to use the bed. Being able to pivot off of my leg made all the difference for me.
So? I recommend some basic leg exercises - squats, jumps, leg presses, scissors to start - so that your legs can get nice and strong and help you out after surgery.
Strong arms would've probably been helpful, too, but I didn't have them, so I can't say. Throw a plank into your morning routine - it couldn't hurt, and your arms might start getting used to holding your body.
I can't tell you how helpful this will be to you, and it only takes a few weeks to really notice a difference in your strength.
Just don't forget to stretch!
Do this and you'll be thanking me in no time. Not that that's my motivation.
Have fun with it!
Rosa
I know that we have a bunch of pre-ops on this board, and as I weigh in about various questions from my own limited view, I keep looking for an opportunity to share this (usually after the fact) but haven't seen a good one. So I thought I'd post separately about it.
For those of you gearing up for surgery, getting your body in shape beforehand is helpful. It's not required, and Lord knows I didn't want to exercise at all at that point. BUT, if you're so willing, I recommend this:
STRENGTHEN YOUR LEGS.
I had pretty strong legs in the hospital and was able to use them to hoist my bulk around when other important muscle groups wanted a break (like the stomach region I'd just rearranged.) It helped so much with getting in and out of the bed (you won't find a recliner in this apartment!) so I did need to use the bed. Being able to pivot off of my leg made all the difference for me.
So? I recommend some basic leg exercises - squats, jumps, leg presses, scissors to start - so that your legs can get nice and strong and help you out after surgery.
Strong arms would've probably been helpful, too, but I didn't have them, so I can't say. Throw a plank into your morning routine - it couldn't hurt, and your arms might start getting used to holding your body.
I can't tell you how helpful this will be to you, and it only takes a few weeks to really notice a difference in your strength.
Just don't forget to stretch!
Do this and you'll be thanking me in no time. Not that that's my motivation.
Have fun with it!
Rosa
5'4 CW: 130, GW: 130
Springtime Challenge to reach goal of 130 in spring MET!!!
Springtime Challenge to reach goal of 130 in spring MET!!!
Or, for more practical exercises:
1. Practice lowering yourself slowly from a standing to a sitting position. (Think - how will I get onto a toilet seat without plopping down and hurting my incisions?) Practice that - ease down from standing to sitting. (This is basically a squat).
2. Practice hoisting yourself with your leg (this may go better if you have someone to help you the first few times...) Get yourself to the edge of the bed - pretend that you were laying down recovering from surgery. Lift yourself with your arms - be careful not to use your stomach muscles too much.
Now, sit on one ankle (if you can). This is your hoist leg. Position the other leg so that it's ready to catch you on the floor. Use your hoist leg to push yourself up, and catch yourself with the other leg.
Practice these several times, remembering to do both legs so that you won't rely too heavily on one or the other. I know that we're all different, but I was able to do these things without disturbing my tummy region and especially that pesky left side incision. If you can master these sly moves before your surgery, you will make your initial recovery sooooo much more pleasant - at least related to siting and standing.
Does this make sense? Any other exercises/sly moves that others would recommend?
1. Practice lowering yourself slowly from a standing to a sitting position. (Think - how will I get onto a toilet seat without plopping down and hurting my incisions?) Practice that - ease down from standing to sitting. (This is basically a squat).
2. Practice hoisting yourself with your leg (this may go better if you have someone to help you the first few times...) Get yourself to the edge of the bed - pretend that you were laying down recovering from surgery. Lift yourself with your arms - be careful not to use your stomach muscles too much.
Now, sit on one ankle (if you can). This is your hoist leg. Position the other leg so that it's ready to catch you on the floor. Use your hoist leg to push yourself up, and catch yourself with the other leg.
Practice these several times, remembering to do both legs so that you won't rely too heavily on one or the other. I know that we're all different, but I was able to do these things without disturbing my tummy region and especially that pesky left side incision. If you can master these sly moves before your surgery, you will make your initial recovery sooooo much more pleasant - at least related to siting and standing.
Does this make sense? Any other exercises/sly moves that others would recommend?
"Now, sit on one ankle (if you can). This is your hoist leg. Position the other leg so that it's ready to catch you on the floor. Use your hoist leg to push yourself up, and catch yourself with the other leg"
what a funny lady you are. I haven't been able to do that for 40 yrs, at least.
I do have a very strong upper body and it help a bunch after surgery.
what a funny lady you are. I haven't been able to do that for 40 yrs, at least.
I do have a very strong upper body and it help a bunch after surgery.
66 yrs young, 4'11" hw 220, goal 120 met at 12 months, cw 129 learning Maintainance
Between 35-40 BMI? join us on the Lightweight board. the Lightweight Board
Excellent! Also blow up balloons to exercise your lungs, increase your protein to promote healing, and get you vitamin and mineral levels up. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
HOOAH!
HOOAH!
5'1" -- HW 195/SW 187/GW 115 July 08/CW 121 Dec 2012
******GOAL*******
Starting BMI between 35 and 40ish?
Join us on the Lightweights Board!
DS on Aug 9, 2007 with Dr. Hazem Elariny
Rosa ,
ur so right about excercising , and yet another factor !!!!
i know that has helped me big time. even though i was obese , i have always worked out, so now losing the weight that i have lost , has helped my body to stay firmer and better bounce back .
when we had our manhateen meet with Rosa , Kaylee, and Kathy we talked briefly about how much body fat we have . id surely love to know and take a test cuz i have lots of muscle and wondering if i have more muscle than fat
ur so right about excercising , and yet another factor !!!!
i know that has helped me big time. even though i was obese , i have always worked out, so now losing the weight that i have lost , has helped my body to stay firmer and better bounce back .
when we had our manhateen meet with Rosa , Kaylee, and Kathy we talked briefly about how much body fat we have . id surely love to know and take a test cuz i have lots of muscle and wondering if i have more muscle than fat
see ya lighter,
Toni
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