How about running post-op?

How about exercise post-op? I am a new runner and am interested in stories of how long it takes to get back to my pre-surgery running times.
I'm not really fast, run about a 10-11 min. mile (depends on my mood!)
But I'm doing better each time I go out. I understand that I'm not allowed to go for a walk for 3 wks, and no running for 6 wks. Does it take a long time to get the stamina back up??

Hi ((((Ramona))))

Where getting back to exercise post-op is concerned, you'll have to wait until you're released to get back to exercise, which is usually after 6 to 8 weeks. Be sure to let you doctor know what your program consists of, including the intensity and how long you've been at it as that can all make a difference. At that point, you'll have to be sure to ease back into your program and to really listen to your body.

Where walking is concerned, while you certainly will not be able to power-walk or to train for a marathon during your recovery, you will most likely be encouraged to walk regularly in order to promote recovery and to stimulate your digestive and circulatory systems. This usually start while still in the castle.

To be honest with you the thought of losing my endurance killed me but when I went out for the first time after I was released I felt great. I had energy that I did not know I would have so soon. I am doing better than I was pre-op and did not think I would. I was released at 6 weeks and about a week and a half ago I ran 3.5 miles straight and was not able to do that in a long time since I was sick. It was amazing and with that I knew...actually I now know that my goal for a marathon is possible now.

How wonderful !!!!!!

RunnerT - good for you -- I started running again this weekend and it has not actually felt that way for me, but then again I wasn't expecting it to! I am on a post-marathon come-back schedule and am taking it pretty easy, just enjoying running again!

Ramona, I have heard around 6 weeks to get back to your pre-op level of fitness ... give or take a couple of weeks! The main thing is to take it slow so you don't compound things with injuries (of the running variety!).

Good luck ladies!

Unfortunately I guess I spoke too soon. I have been having trouble running lately. I feel sharp pain on my left side in my abdominal area. I don't know if i am not drinking enough water or it is related to surgery. I was only able to run/walk a mile yesterday and that was pushing it. I will give it another go and if it is still is that painful then i guess i will call a doc. It really upset me because I have to run. Or as my kids say "you don't NEED to run, you want to" buuut for sanity and addiction to running reasons, yes I have to! Good luck to you all.

I am sorry to hear about that -- I think you may have jumped into too fast, I don't know about your running history but my coach has me on a couple of miles every other day for the first week, with a huge 30 min run this weekend ...

I am hoping it does not have anything to do with your surgery and more to do with your body telling you to slow down ... I am easily running 2:00 min slower/mile than I am capable of for the first couple of weeks.

I am pretty frustrated though, because my legs and body want to run -- but afterwards my stupid abdomin swells up -- and yesterday I found out my doctor is giving me 2 more weeks to heal on my own or it is another stupid mini-surgery for me!!! But, he says I can run, so I am.

Good luck RunnerT keep us informed on your progress.

I think within three or four months, you can be back to pre-op pace. My first two weeks back to running (this was after the walk, walk-jog, jog periods) I did not even wear a watch. When I finally did start wearing a watch, my per-mile pace was about 30-60 seconds slower than pre-op, and I just built from that. As long as you allow healing time, and then ease back into it, you'll get back to your regular pace.

You ladies are my heros. My surgery was 9/11 and as bad as I want to, I haven't run yet. I have been walking at a fast pace, and some days get a little sore afterwards. The other day I went outside with my headphones on and my favorite song by Head East was playing and I lost myself in the moment and took a few strides and it felt like my insides weighed a ton! I know everybody's healing process/time is different, but I am getting a little discouraged. Maybe I am being overprotective. I know whatever I do now, governs how I will feel for the rest of my life. I didn't run marathons or anything. But I did enjoy running 3 or 4 miles 2 or 3 times a week, and doing strength & conditioning exercises. My doctor told me absolutely no weight lifting for another couple of weeks. He did say I would be able to run a marathon though. Funny....I sure wasn't able to run one pre-surgery. Ha! Did anybody else feel like your insides were heavy and just jiggling around? Thanks for your feedback. This is an awesome site.

im going back to my doc tomorow cause my tum is twice its size and heavy and even sorer now!!i miss my running too!!feel like a walking fat balloon!had my abdominal total hyst on nov 1st.back at work now 3wks..yet my tum is getting larger and heavier by the min!browned right off here!!!