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6 pack abs (ha ha)

Thu, April 09, 2009 11:45 PM

Anyone have any exercise tips after having gone through two open abdominal surgeries? I had a colostomy a few years ago, and an ileostomy just a few weeks ago. I only weigh 149 lbs, but I want to tighten up my mid section. However, with really weak abdominal muscles (if any), 20 cm of scars up and down, and 10 cm of scars across, as well as an appliance in the way, what kind of exercise can I do that targets that area? I cant imagine doing sit ups. I'm walking. I'm not a runner. Please let me know if you have any good exercise practices for post-op and beyond. Thanks

ducks
Joined Aug 11, 2008

Fri, April 10, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for changingground.

Right after surgery when I was still so cut up and sore, I joined a bunch of old ladies at the Recreation Center where I live and took a "Fit Ball" class. It was taught by a physical therapist and it was lots of good fun. The class was perfect since I needed to be really careful and didn't want to overdo, and the teacher was very conscious of no one injuring themselves. Plus, since my classmates weren't exactly athletic, I wasn't going to hurt myself trying to out-do them. Everyone laughed a lot and had a good time.

Working on the ball is great for abs. It doesn't seem like you're doing much, but you are. It was a great way to re-educate those muscles. After 8 weeks of this, I was definitely much stronger. Then I went on to my other sports including yoga, dance, hiking and biking. Not all at once, mind you. It takes time, but believe it or not, you will regain your strength.

shellyrh
Joined Apr 7, 2009

Fri, April 10, 2009 9:51 AM

Reply posted for ducks.

Hey Ducks-

I was researching athletics and ostomies when the possibility of returning to an ostomy was a possibility in my treatment. As a runner and active dad I was concerned that the ostomy would make fitness difficult. I found this website, which is populated by folks who are very interested in fitness while being ostomates. It may be more than you're looking for, but I'd post up there and see what they have to suggest- http://www.ostomyathlete.com/joelellis.htm

Good luck- slooney

changingground
Joined Jan 16, 2009

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