Question:
Swimming?

Hello, it's me again. I just seem to have so many questions lately..sorry! Not sure if this is even the best place to submit them, or do I go to a forum? Anyway my surgeon suggested I join a gym and I renewed my YMCA membership today and my son and I went to the pool and such. I like to swim laps and he plays. Boy can I feel my incisions when I swim! It's like a tugging feeling, but the doc ok'd all exercise. Anyway, I am wondering if anyone knows how many laps or days of swimming would be sufficient as far as an exercise routine? I am only 2 1/2 weeks out now. I know the swimming is a great for me..but I don't want to just do it for pure fun. Anyone? Thanks much!    — aidenswings (posted on July 20, 2009)

July 20, 2009
Why not do it for pure fun.... swimming burns a ton of calories... you sweat and you don't know it... it works out your entire body... and guess what when you are just having fun in the pool you tend to stay in longer!!! Keep it fun and not routine....that way you will stick to it.....ok ok... swimming for an hour freestyle with moderate effort burns an average of 550 calories... pick up the pace and you coud burn 700 calories in an hour.... now if I could take my own advice and get myself back into the pool....lol
   — wendy-s

July 20, 2009
I agree with Wendy, but be careful not to overdo it at 2 1/2 weeks out, either...I was anxious to get back in the pool and my doc cleared me around the same time ( it was probably 3 weeks), and I remember feeling those incisions and feeling a few pulls, etc that were more than a little painful. I actually think I may have overdone it once or twice and I had to spend extra time "taking it easier" afterwards for a day or so. Once I hit 6 weeks,I could pretty much crawl and do about 20 laps of steady but not too intense swimming. Before that it was mostly breast stroke. Now that I am 8 weeks out I can swim with pretty good intensity and get a great workout in 30-45 minutes. I'm also enjoying walking more and more because I'm trying to find new an interesting paths and ways to walk. Because I live in Coastal FL, I have a lot of beautiful (but hot!!) outdoor options. I find that I am looking forward more to my times of exercize - never, ever thought I'd ever really feel that way! Congrats on your surgery and good luck with the swimming - take it easy at first and then go for it!
   — stellarsan

July 20, 2009
Hi, When I started exercising after getting surgical approval I also went to the YMCA and started swimming. I had worked up to 10 laps at a time by surgery. My surgeon released me to return to swimming at about 2 1/2 weeks out just as you are now. I also felt some pulling but only if I pushed too hard. I am now 4+ months out and just swam 1 mile (36 laps of a 25 yard pool). Most days I swim 26 laps, or elliptical for 45 minutes or walk 4 miles. The key is to find something that you get enjoyment from and then mix it up so you don't get bored. My goal is at least a 45 minute workout no matter what I am doing. I'm not trying to set any speed records but I do try to get a good workout. Have fun, don't hurt yourself, welcome to the weight loss side of surgery. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

July 23, 2009
Swimming is probably one of the better exercise for you because its low impact; but you also get good cardio and strengthening. I suggest taking it easy and do half the laps you would do before surgery until you are completely healed. Good luck.
   — Meeky