Question:
How long post-op before I can play Golf?

Spring is in the air and I am really ansy to get out on the Golf Course. I plan on walking instead of a cart, but have a pull cart for my clubs so I don't have to carry them. I am almost 9 weeks post-op (open RNY), and feeling pretty good with no soreness at all in my incision area. Anybody have any experiences hitting the greens this soon?    — Dell H. (posted on May 3, 2002)

May 3, 2002
Hey, Dell, I really understand the call of the green. I am a month post op from my tummy tuck & am feeling those urges, too. I think it's too soon for me & I suspect it's too soon for you, too. sorry. However, this is just my opinion, I'd suggest asking your doctor. I have actually considered walking along with some friends, doing my own chipping & putting & letting them drive for me. The full-out golf swing may be a bit much for both of us right now. I know after my open rny, my doctor wouldn't let me do any crunches or anything that would involve my abdominal muscles for at least three months. Maybe it was different for others...? Soooo, my suggestion would be to maybe walk the course, work on your *short* game & hold off another month or so unless your doctor gives you the A-OK. I have heard that trying too much too soon can cause painful adhesions which can be serious. We don't want that, now do we? No, we don't... Read your golf mags, watch a video, look at all the cute outfits you'll be able to wear soon, walk & get strong. Then, when you can start up again, you'll blow everyone away! :)
   — Kathy W.

May 4, 2002
If someone told me I would be able to play golf four months after surgery I would say that's an added benefit to this miracle surgery because I have never been able to play golf! LOL hahaha (I have heard it told as a violin or piano joke). Don't mind me, just being silly because I am a lousy golfer and since my surgery is scheduled for May 16 I think I'll pass on golf this summer. Imagine being a high handicapper and just going out for the first time at the END of the summer when everyone else has been perfecting their game for months... talk about embarrasing moments yikes.
   — Grace M.

May 4, 2002
Dell - If you do take Kathy's suggestion on trying those cute golf outfits....please be sure to share the pics with your AMOS pals! LOL (I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist....I have the feeling Kathy didn't realize Dell is a man....or maybe she did and I am simply not a golf fashion nut?) Then again, perhaps I am just a nut!!! Cheers! :) - Anna
   — Anna L.

May 4, 2002
Oh my... such long waiting periods!!! My doc gave me a full release for all activity at 6 weeks after an open surgery. Now, plastic surgery I can see might be a different issue here and I'd be much more concerned about this in that case. But 9 weeks after WLS, I don't think there's any reason you can't be swinging a club. Hopefully you're not chunking it! But some nice pretty swings and some walking up and down that course should be just what the doc ordered. But, just in case, why not call the doc on Monday and ASK? And while you're at it, invite him to play a round with you on his afternoon off!
   — BethVBG