Question:
What do you think is the best exercise for the stomach area?

I am now 6 weeks post op & have walked for exercise almost every day after surgery. I'm now ready to venture out & unsure what king of exercise would benefit me the most. The biggest problem area is my belly. I'm sure I'll probably need a TT when I'm finished losing but would like to minimize the "train wreck" look while I'm waiting. I have already lost 43 pounds & it's not real pretty :)    — Kathy K. (posted on August 14, 2003)

August 14, 2003
Cardio is they way to burn the fat however if you are looking to strengthen the muscle then a variety of crunches or exercising with an exercise ball will make alot of difference inthe long run although you wont see the muscle until the layer of fat and skin is gone. I began a routine of ab crunches at 3 weeks post op and when I had my TT I needed only muscle repair for a small inguinal hernia. Granted I have not had children so my abs werent stretched out much but the PS did indicate that the consistent strengthening exercises for 10 months made a hgue difference in my outcome. Run a search on abdominal exercises and you will find something to suit you. Good Luck
   — Lesley T.

August 14, 2003
I just saw my surgeon yesterday for my 2 week check up and he told me I was not allowed to do abdominal work for a year! Everything else, fine, no abs, hmmm????
   — Dianne W.

August 14, 2003
My doc doesn't want us doing any strenuous exercise, especially abs, for at least three months following surgery because of the risk of developing hernias. If you haven't specifically asked, I'd check with the doc first before you start anything that strains those muscles.
   — Vespa R.

August 15, 2003
<font color="007000" face="tahoma">Hi Kathy! My doctor approved me to go back to Yoga at 6 weeks post op! I have found that my Yoga class does WONDERFUL ab work! You also get a good toning of all your other muscles as well! And, Yoga for me, right now (I am 230 lbs so it kicks my butt!) is also an aerobic exercise as my heart rate is elevated for almost the whole hour!<P>Good Luck!! <I>Wendy D~~RNY 4/23/03, -82 lbs</I></font>
   — Wendy D P.

August 15, 2003
There are several different types of abdominal exercises to check out. Sometimes people just do crunches, which only affects one area of abdominal muscles. There are upper and lower muscles too and different exercises are required to reach them. Rent an exercise tape, or talk to a personal trainer. Its worth a session or two with a reputable trainer to get you started. Keep in mind though that no amount of exercise will help saggy skin-exercise just helps to build/shape the muscle underneath.
   — Cindy R.