Easing into exercise after surgery

[SassyCassie89]

Hi!

I had my gallbladder taken out via an open cholecystectomy on December 19th, 2018. I'm healed up well but on restrictions for 5 more weeks- no lifting, no bending, squatting, etc. I've lost 20lb just from being sick, but now I'm okay and able to eat again. However, I've decided to eat low carb/keto and continue my weight loss. I feel like I should be adding in some exercise though. I do walk, which is about all I can do right now.

I've considered lifting weights when I'm able.

Also I have a concern. A couple co-workers who have had a c-section told me that I might never regain feeling or muscle tone in the areas of my stomach below and above the incision, and won't be able to get rid of any flab there. Is this true?

Any ideas or suggestions or considerations? Thanks a ton.

[Anti-NMDA-mom]

Hi SassyCassie89.  I am one week post OP (LVAH), and I too am concerned about the repercussions of surgery.  Today is the first day I made it over 2900 steps.

20lb loss is remarkable, and I'm sure that eating well will keep it off.

Your recovery will be uniquely yours, and maybe you could look into seeing a physiotherapist.  I will be consulting mine, that's for sure.  

[SassyCassie89]

Ow. How are you feeling?

I was supposed to have it done laparoscopic, too, but they weren't able to do it that way. I'll admit, the first week and a half I ate anything and everything. I was very sick for 6 years (no one could figure it out so I stopped going to doctors and just learned to live with it until it became unbearable), so all of a sudden I could eat, and boy did I. My post op appointment I gained 3lb, but since then (after I got the binging out of my system), I buckled down and lost it again.

I feel like I kind of cheated because the weight I lost was simply from not eating, and throwing up whatever I ate for months. And while it sucked, I have to say it was a nice way to start the new year.

No one mentioned anything about a physiotherapist; I'll have to look into that, thanks!

[SassyCassie89]

 No way to edit huh? Whoops. Obviously I meant December 19, 2017. Sorry all! I work night shift and my brain is still booting up

[emili]

everyone heals different.. some have more scar tissue than others- for some the addition of weight loss increases the "pouchy" look. but none of that is reason to not work out and focus on getting better and healthier. Now that you are back to eating, it is really important to watch calories and to add activity to your daily routine. weight loss that happens as a result of restricted eating due to illness, usually creeps back on... seeing as how you are mindful of it and are already planning changes- you are off to a great start.

[DanielleinDC]

You should talk to your doctor both about your diet--from what I understand, people who've had a cholecystectomy should try to eat low fat--and about easing back into exercise.

[Anti-NMDA-mom]

By the way, feeling fantastic. After recovery, I run better, eat better and shed 30 lbs that had previously been stubborn.  

(Yes, I only noticed this response two years later, sorry)