Curves or Yoga and when to start

Hi everyone. I almost 4 weeks from SAH and am anxious to get back to some exercise. I have been walking about 1 1/2 miles a morning for the last week and will be up to 2 miles starting tomorrow. I used to go to Curves 2 or 3 times a week and that worked well for me and helped to keep me toned and keep my weight at a good place.
My weight is fine right now but I have a small/medium sized ledge over my incision that I would like to lose soon (going to Mexico in 4 weeks and need to wear a bathing suit). I am getting anxious to get rid of the no exercise flabbies that I have developed in my middle and my arms.
When were you all able to go back to Curves and has anyone found Yoga to be better for you following this kind of surgery.
Thanks so much for your help.

Hi there

I just joined Curves, at the beginning of January. While, in my case, I was long past initial recovery (hyst was in December 2000), I've seen where members are not usually released to resume this program until after the 8 week mark. And, even then, you are to go at it very gradually, in order to avoid doing any damage.

I don't know what the norms are where Yoga is concerned, but that is something you really should address with your doctor: we all had different surgeries for different reasons and only your doctor can tell you what's best for you.

BTW, where the "ledge" is concerned, it is likely that some of it is due to what we call the "swelly belly". Swelly belly is not really fat or flab, it is actually a natural swelling of tissues that occurs as the abdomen recovers from the stress and strain of surgery... much as our knees will swell after an injury. So, if swelly belly is at cause, exercising would actually make it worse, by causing strain and stress of those muscles.

I know how frustrating this is: it wasn't that long ago that I was despairing ever having a flat tummy again!! (ok, it was wishful thinking... but it's a lot less flabby than it used to ) Take heart: before you know it, you'll be back to your normal, active self!!!!

I didn't start doing yoga until I was a year or more post op. Not because I couldn't simply because it wasn't something I was interrested in trying at the time.

Now a days I do enjoy yoga. At home I use Rodney Yee's AM/PM yoga DVDs. I find they are a great way to ease into the day and wonderful for winding down after a hectic one. I also take a yoga class once a week at my gym. I enjoy the overall sense of balance and relaxation.

As for Curves, once your doctor gives you the OK, when you return to the machines just listen to your body. I always returned to exercise at a lower intensity than I had been doing pre-op. Nearly like I was a beginner all over again. The only machine I had some issues with was the oblique machine. (the one where you lean forward cross your arms and twist from side to side.

BSQ

I was cleared for my exercise routines at 6 weeks (bicycling, aerobics and weight training), but was told to get back into it gradually. It took me a couple of months to get back to my old routine, I was limited to lifting 40 pounds and below for 3 months. Also, it took awhile to be able to do all the old ab exercises. I had some weakness below the bikini cut for awhile. Now, 6 months post-op, I can't tell any difference from before surgery. So, listen to your doc and your body. Heal well and take your time.