Question:
How soon after surgery can you begin your exercising without hurting yourself?

I was wondering how long you should wait after surgery before beginning hard exercising such as power walking and Curves?    — Christy H. (posted on June 1, 2003)

June 1, 2003
That is a question for your doctor. It will probably depend on how quickly you heal and whether you have complications. I know my surgeon let a friend of mine start Curves at 4 weeks post-op.
   — Patty_Butler

June 1, 2003
My Doctor expects you to start walking immediately! Not only does it help release some of the soreness, but it minimizes the risk of blood clots after surgery.
   — Shelly R.

June 1, 2003
It's really a personal thing I believe. I wasn't able to physically until a couple months, I was just way to tired and in pain for a while. Others can get up and go after 1 month. But generally, I would say wait atleast a month for more strenuous exercises. And you may have to be cleared for gym use, you never realize how much you use your stomach until you can't! lol But power walking I'm sure you could do after a couple weeks, if you feel up to it. But give yourself time to heal and rest. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

June 1, 2003
this depends on you and your doctor!! my advice is start slowly and post op in the hospital is a great place to start..walking is going to be a great help!! i felt better walking the halls at 2 am then laying in the bed. i was restless and the walking was a huge help. also little things like parking your car a few spots away and taking the stairs are great ways to get into exercise! i was cleared at 6 weeks to join a gym and increase my activity to EXERCISE!! good luck
   — nan K.

June 2, 2003
Talk to your Doc before starting Curves. Lifting weights may cause incissional hernias if started to soon. I was Open RNY, my Doc wanted 6 weeks without lifting. Walking (and I would assume power walking) would probably be encouraged quickly.
   — [Deactivated Member]