Does having surgery = all working out = a waste of time?

[BK_Adores_Chase]

Because I've finally come to the point where I want to consistently exercise, I made this decision at the beginning of the year and this is the longest I have gone without giving up...it makes me feel good, I like doing it --  okay, so maybe I don't like doing it, but I love how I feel afterwards...but for 4-5 weeks after surgery I won't be able to and I'm wondering if all my hard work will waste away (muscle wise) 

[kittenkagome]

I don't see why it would. You should talk to your doctor about your exercise and ask at what point you will be able to exercise normally. There are probably low strain exercises you can do while you are recovering. Simple stretches, arm and leg lifts, etc. Remember to stick to a healthy diet, because that will help as well. Don't be discouraged. Find simple things you can do (after the doctors ok) and keep doing them to stay in the habit of doing something for yourself. And if you cannot do anything at all the first couple of weeks, don't fret. Remember, the body needs to rest just as much as it needs to move. It may even help you, it will bring you out of a comfort zone and make your body work harder when you do start exercising again, and while it may not be fun it will result in the loss of more calories. In review: Eat well, follow docs orders, and ask what you can do at what time during your recovery. Those should be the keys to success.

[twol]

Being in shape going into surgery is actually the best thing you can do for yourself. You're increasing the odds of a successful surgery and decreasing the chances of complications by maintaining an ideal weight. You'll also notice you'll recover faster. So you're really doing yourself a favor in the long run. After four weeks you will notice a loss in strength, but you can gradually build up to where you were before (it's far better than starting from nothing!) Let your body rest and heal. Good luck!

[masked_brown_guy]

only if you are going to be completely immobile. if that's the case your metabolism will slow down.

[Abrupt]

Muscle atrophy will not occur that fast.  You might have psychological and temporary neural efficiency decreases in strength performance but that would most likely be on maximal lifts (90 percent of 1 rep max).  I am guessing you train more type II a muscle fibers and maybe type I (long term anaerobic and aerobic respectively) and not the muscle fibers more involved in maximal lifts (type II x and type II b especially) and mostly you will just have your mental focus to deal with.  Additionally, it is generally considered wise to take a week or two off a training schedule 2 to 4 times a year depending on how exhaustive one trains.  This allows for the body and mind to get a larger period of recuperation and also gives your immune system a break for awhile.  Some people find that they improve better with even more rest days and longer rest periods as every body is different.  It is best to find out what works best individually and try out various schedules as one desires.

[krissi79]

Ask your dr what would be safe for you to do. I know there are ones you can do sitting down that keep you tone. I have heart failure so i do light weights under 5 pounds and leg lifts.. Just to name a few.. Good luck

[squirrelgirl44]

What kind of surgery are you having? I have been exercising 5 days a week for 8 years. I continued to exercise after having my daugher. After having abdominal surgery. After having been diagnosed with MS. I can't think of a surgery that will 100% prohibit exercise. You won't be able to do what you are NOW, but that doesn't mean you can't do something.

[Abrupt]

What kind of surgery are you having? I have been exercising 5 days a week for 8 years. I continued to exercise after having my daugher. After having abdominal surgery. After having been diagnosed with MS. I can't think of a surgery that will 100% prohibit exercise. You won't be able to do what you are NOW, but that doesn't mean you can't do something.

I tend to advise against any meaningful exercise after any sort of surgery.  Most training will decrease the immune system (as that is what is involved in building muscle) and will compete with resources that need to be used to heal after surgery.  If stressing the body in such a way one will likely have slower recover from the surgery and little to no results from the training (and can even result in cellular cannibalism).  One would really only wish to push the time frame on returning to training for purely psychological reasons.  As you point out, squirrelgirl44, it does depend on they type of surgery as to the extent of caution that should be applied.

[veronica773]

Most of the time surgery does workout good but I had back surgery and I am still having a lot of problem.  One surgery was enough for me. No matter how much I exercise and diet my back still really hurts a lot.

[BK_Adores_Chase]

I had an umbilical hernia repaired...my fiance says ill never be able to get the six pack I was working towards

[hawkeye3210]

It won't waste away but the first couple times you work out after the 4-5 weeks will likely suck until your body gets use to it.

[kapeh12]

I found a couple articles on recovery from the surgery you indicated you will be having.  Here's one that sums up recommendations of what you should be able to do and when (of course, discuss these with your doctor to verify these will work in your specific case):

"Exercising after hernia surgery should begin slowly, with low-intensity activity. Immediately after surgery, walking can be resumed; within a couple of days, biking, jogging and golf can also be resumed. Light free weights can be used in about a week after surgery. By two to three weeks after an uncomplicated surgery, most activities can be resumed."

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/314956-exercising-after-umbilical-hernia-surgery/#ixzz1qQeWiAEW


Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what you can plan to do/not do.

[donnainky]

I think if you continue with light exercises it will help until you can resume your normal exercises. You definitely don't want to be doing any heavy lifting, but walking is a great form of exercise and works a lot of different muscles. I hope you have a fast recovery.