Exercise/fitness prior to procedure

Does anyone have any insight on the benefits of exercising BEFORE we go to the castle? I'm thinking if I start walking now, running steps or dusting off my Pilates video or SOMETHING, that it'll help my recovery time and success. What do y'all think? Will it make a big difference?

I'm not overweight (unless you count the 8 pounds I've gained in the last week --bleah!) but am not particularly fit any more.


(LOL, I hate exercising and am secretly hoping you will ALL say "Don't waste your time. It does no good whatsoever with regard to your recovery.")


Thanks!
Beseda

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but exercise is good for you! I wasn't able to do any exercise for the past few years because of pelvic pain upon walking. I could stroll a bit but after about twenty minutes, the pressure and pain got to be too much. Since I've had surgery, I'm looking forward to being able to start a new exercise program.

I don't think it's necessary to work out strenuously but if you can walk some before surgery, it will be really good for your lungs and your muscles.

Exercise always helps I'm afraid.. I put on 15 lbs in the 2 wks leading up to my diagnosis & surgery..my 'univited guest" which I didin't know I had was growing and I was doing my ab swing 1/2 hr each day trying to get rid of my tummy....LOL..well it's gone now..LOL...still can't use my ab swing tho'..too soon ..I think the best thing you can do is walking too especially for your lungs and cardiovascular..believe me you'll need to do lots of walking right after surgery...Good luck with your surgery and remember we'll be here for you anytime!!

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Actually, I hadn't considered lung health but it sure makes sense!


I guess the question is hard to answer because people who are generally fit *I'm guessing* have easier recoveries but don't necessarily attribute it to their fitness level, while others who have a tougher time bouncing back may be more couch-potato-ish like me. Guess the dog is going for more walks than she bargained for!


Thanks for the comments and most especially for the kind wishes!

Be blessed,
Beseda

Walking is really good. You might also want to try and build your upper leg strength too. This may sound like TMI, but when you are first getting out of bed and on and off the toilet it will help if you can use your legs and not your stomach to move, if that makes sense. Good luck to you!

Me/dh has started walking after he gets home from work, it's been really hot thru the day here. It feels good to get out and walk especially with a cool breeze. I know I probably won't lose much, if any weight before my surgery, but should help with my lungs/cardio and increase energy.

Good luck!
Ruth

Exercise was part of the pre-op prescription from my doctor. There is no doubt that being physically fit helps with recovery. Just be sure that it's okay with your doctor to start an exercise program. I'm a runner and I don't know if that's why, but I'm only 2 days post-op and I feel very well. My biggest problem is going to be waiting a long time to start my usual exercise again. At least I'm allowed to walk as much as I can tolerate. Best wishes and hugs!

Guess I should dust off the treadmill then, and get busy walking. I have a month before my date, and I live on a hill - literally - it is uphill to the road and the back yard is all downhill LOL
I asked DH to plan on driving us somewhere flat so we can walk together after I get home and get mobile.

The other excellent thing about exercise is how it helps to relieve the anxiety that comes with pre-surgery jitters! My TAH is on July 22 so today I did 4 miles on the treadmill - still felt anxious when I finished the treadmill so then I did some weights. It feels good to get rid of the anxiety this way. I am by no means a fitness guru and I'm not thin - but it sure feels good to use exercise as a way to control the pre-surgery emotions!

Good luck

I would highly recommend it. It will strengthen your body overall, heart, lungs.