Easy yoga exercise for post-op recovery?

Hello ladies!

I wonder if anyone knows a source (book, web-site) of easy yoga exercise for post-op recovery. How soon can you start some light, may be even in-bed exercises?

Malenda

My doc wouldn't allow anything post-op for 6 weeks after my LSH. I would talk to your doc and ask if they would allow it. If so, then I would talk to a yoga instructor geared towards prenatal yoga since that is more sensitive to the abdominal area and lower back which you will want to be gentle with after even the "easiest" of surgeries. My doc said regular walking was all he'd allow for 6 weeks. Drove me insane as I felt "normal" by 2 weeks post-op. But after my 6 week apt when I got the go-ahead, I honestly had to take it easy. Had some gentle pulling with jogging and even light stretching(I have fibromyalgia as well so I usually do a daily stretching routine to keep me low on the pain scale which I was not allowed to do even for the first 6 weeks) and I felt less "together" in my core. Now though at 4 months post-op, I am having no difficulties with my workout routine and I am even training to jog my first 5K in Feb (usually I am a walker for these things)!!

Good luck to you!!!

I'm a yoga teacher with 25 years of practice under my belt, and if you're having an abdominal incision, I would advice you to do NOTHING even resembling yoga until your doctor gives you the OK. And after that, start slowly and with an experienced instructor who knows what she's doing. I read something here on the boards awhile back from a woman who went back to yoga class at the 6 week mark and did a backbend and ended up with a hernia and another surgery. Yuck. I had my surgery laparascopically and did the teeniest of stretches and mild twists in bed about 2 weeks post-op, but didn't do a regular full on class until about the 9 week mark. And even now, I still feel the teeniest ache around my incisions after I practice. Please, be very, very careful. My very fabulous doctor begged me to do no yoga until he said it was OK to, and I listened to him and am glad that I did. I feel great now!

nancy

Nancy and Jam,

Thank you both for your insights. I am now 3 weeks and a half post. I am walking regularly. I am also doing some very light stretching and bending ( not back bends!). I do feel as you've mentioned that I need to go slowly. Obviously, my mind would like to move on, but my body is taking its time. I hope you both are doing well and feeling your normal selves. Take good care of yourselves. Thanks.

I focused on the "mental" and breathing afterwards, when I had my ablation/lap - right in recovery. Incredible how that cleared my mind of the post op brain fod and seemed to reduce any discomfort. Also true anytime therafter.

But that was all the doctor would allow for two weeks. and it's true I felt really weird and "coreless" for the first few days I was able to return to exercising, even though all I had was the two incisions.

It sounds as if he's going to say no go on anything for quite a bit longer this time - I think it depends on what he actually does. He's already warned me I'll need to take it reeeeeaaaallly slow. In a very stern voice! lol

But the breathing really helps, just by itself.

Irene,

Thank for the breathing exercise tip. I noticed your surgery is today. I am thinking about you and hoping everything goes well. I did keep my ovaries, and they seem to be working now. I am wishing you an uneventful recovery.

Here are some easy exercises you can do early in your recovery:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_108934.htm

It's recommended that you check with your doctor before starting any exercise.

My doctor specifically said NO YOGA until I got an ok (at about week 6). She said I could breathe and visualize . . . but that was it!