What to do to help physical shape before surgery

Received my surgery date today--it's April 29th. I've been a long time in making this decision, so I know that it's right for me.

However, I am anemic right now plus I've gained too much weight over the past 5-6 years. My husband and I had finally decided to tackle the weight thing together, but are kind of in limbo right now.

I am taking Slow-Fe iron tabs, along w/a stool softener, eating red meat. I've been craving eggs, which I'd read somewhere have iron, although they're not usually on any list of iron-rich foods. So I'm trying to do all I can for the anemia that I know of.

I will be going back to work tomorrow after a week off for spring break, and I know it won't be easy. Was anemic last year about this time and ended up taking off work 3 weeks because I just couldn't get through the day--(I teach 1st graders).

What else can I do to help myself to be in better shape for the surgery? My doc had given me some medicine to make my period stop last week, which eventually it did. But he said I'd have another one, which will definitely happen before surgery. Gee, I'm sure not looking forward to losing any more iron.

Even though I'm tired, and wish some angel would take my recess duty!!, do I try and push myself to take a walk after work or do anything else to help my body?

I keep reading about swelly belly, and I am so embarrassed, but I already have one!! I know there's no way to overcome 5 years of weight gain, but do I attempt anything to help with that?

I really am very tired and rest alot--not sure I'd even be able to do any type of exercise, but this has been on my mind.

Any ideas?

Be very careful in starting anything. You don`t want to run yourself down before surgery. Maybe you and your DH could start walking now. Walking is encouraged after your Hyst- starting slow and working up of course . Check with your doc .
I also was and am overweight. it is a post surgery goal to get into better shape . I could not deal with anything extra pre-op
Dealing with one major lifechange at a time was enough for me.

Check the scroll down menu for post-op excercises as well as the message board for the Safari Fitness and excercise center for help post-op.
Good luck Paula

I agree that before you start anything new, please talk to your DR. Check any medication with him/her. I was surprised at the list of otc drugs that are not permitted within 2 weeks of surgery.

Walking is a good exercise, especially if you have the company of your DH. Keep in mind that if it took 5-6 years to get to where you are now, it is not out of line to allow yourself to heal before you start your work out routine. Before surgery, the idea of working out seemed so terrible. Now with the terrible pain of the prolapse gone, I actually look forward to being more active.
take care,

Congradulations on your surgery date. You have a month to make a difference in your surgery and recovery. I am glad you are here and have posted your questions.
I too was very anemic. A month of iron and red meat etc., can really make a difference. I was taking Iron for maybe 2 months before my surgery, but felt so much better after taking it for 1 month.
Please double check the Type of Iron and Dosage of Iron with your doctor. The Iron I started on was way too low a dosage and it was doing me no good. I finally double checked with doctor and the pharmacist to get it right. It can make a big difference.
The posts about walking are good advice. Daily walks really help. Even 15 minutes a day if that is all you can manage is worth it.
I too was and am overweight. But I did increase my walking before surgery and it helped too.
Prunes are good sources of Iron and they help with Iron related constipation. I think spinach is good too.
Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi Jeannie,
Ditto to everything the others have said. I was also anemic, but had the advantage of staying on iron about 2 months. My doc told me to space out the iron pills, as the body could only absorb so much at a time. Usually took 10-12 hours apart.

Once I got rid of swelly belly, I actually went down a size in slacks!

Don't start, do anything new w/o clearing w/doc. I went for massages weekly before surgery and the day before. I felt really relaxed and slept well the night before.

I'm glad you will have summer to regain more of your strength. I am an elementary principal and try to discourage staff from having surgery during the summer. Best wishes, Jan

You know how sometimes you "know" stuff, but in the chaos, you kind of forget? That's how I feel right now

I will be talking to the Dr's office tomorrow about setting up pre-op stuff and will double-check on the walking part. The Slow-Fe had been doctor recommended before, but you're right--I still need to check that, too.

Wow--the massage idea REALLY sounds good. I haven't slept much at all this whole school year (go to bed but my mind just doesn't want to shut off!). Imagine the massage would really help! With the anemia and the no-sleeping deal, I'm one tired puppy

Jan, what a wonderful principal you are! I just told my principal today, and she was great about the surgery, too. I've had the possibility of a hyst hanging over my head all year long, and kept thinking (a.) "it'll all go away" or (b.) "maybe it really will all go away".

First grade is such a special year that I didn't want to spoil it for anyone, but I finally realized that I've got to get this taken care of or my health, stamina, etc., etc, is just going to keep going downhill. I've never had to get ready for a long-term sub before, am going to try to get alot/most of the end-of-the-year testing finished before I go--that part is driving me kind of nutsy, too. Now if anyone has suggestions on how to get my class ready for me to be gone, that REALLY would be heavenly!! Anyway, am very lucky that I'll have most of the summer to get better.

Thanks, ladies!