Question:
Had surgery 05/14/07 and am still having pain at the drain site

I am just wondering how long this should last, because I would like to start doing some crunches to help fight the skin sag, but I can barely bend over once without that spot hurting. So does anyone know how long before this goes away and when did you start to be able bend over comfortably or do crunches?    — StacyL79 (posted on June 6, 2007)

June 6, 2007
Stacy, Slow down, it will come. You should not be exercising for at least 4 weeks. Your body needs to heal. After 4 weeks, began walking and you will know when you can bend successfully. Do it a little bit at a time. Mine felt like I was squeezing my stomach in 1/2. 3 months out and I can do anything. Just give it time. Good Luck! Sharon
   — sar

June 6, 2007
I agree....slow down chicky! I am almost 4 months out and only started core exercises on my 3 month anniversary (per my surgeon). I couldn't lift over 2lbs for 2 weeks, 8-10lbs for a month. Could only WALK and WALK only. At my 1.5 check up with my surgeon I was still feeling like my insides were moving and adjusting. He told me NO core exercises until 3 months. At 3 months, I was ready to tackle the world. My incision where the drain was gave me some uncomfortable days through 2 months or so. The "pain" goes away and becomes uncomfortable for a while, now....no issues. HOpe this helps.
   — jammerz

June 6, 2007
Stacy, At this stage crunches are not recommended because your stomach is still in the healing phase. As you are walking now you will start to see some different in your lower abdomen. Myself and a co-worker walk for 30 minutes everyday and I feel it in my stomach. I'm a little over 3 months out and have not started doing any crunches -- never liked them any way; however, I know I will have to eventually do some type of abdominal work because I don't want to have plastic surgery if I don't have to.
   — the7thdean

June 6, 2007
Don't try to do too much too soon. You must give yourself time to heal. At this point, walking is probably the only means of exercise you need to do....the crunches will come. I didn't begin an exercise routine until 10-weeks after surgery.
   — AngelaC.