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Will doing ab exercises a few months before a TT help with recovery?

By teachfish70 on 08 Apr 2011

Comments (14)

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Madison5269 (RealFriend) 11 Apr 2011
I am not sure. I have been doing ab exercises for years & kept going up until my surgery. I am 4 day post op & feel really great. But I also had muscle repair because I could not get my muscles back together on my own. I guess it is better to go into surgery strong!
teachfish70 11 Apr 2011
So glad you are feeling great! I agree, I am not getting muscle repair but I figure the stronger they are, the better! Got any pics yet? Again, so glad you feel good. What a relief!
Madison5269 (RealFriend) 11 Apr 2011
Thanks!! I will definately post pics tomorrow. I am still getting used to rebandaging myself after showering - I have to apply neosporin, cut tape to keep bandages in place, then line up my binder - all the while juggling my drain - it takes me 15 - 20 min each time!! After I am done with that I realize I did not take my after photos yet & do not want to go through all that wrapping again! So I will do it first thing tomorrow.

You must be so excited for your date. If you are not getting muscle repair & you go in with strong abs, your recovery should be much easier. Keep updating!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 11 Apr 2011

Definitely!  The better shape you are in prior to surgery they easier your recovery will be.  Build those muscles and improve your cardio if at all possible. 
ABQme 20 Apr 2011
I would also add squats to your workouts. That will totally help post op potty trips
3cshell 20 Apr 2011
lol
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 20 Apr 2011
Agreed. Because when you need to get up and down off that toilet it is going to seem like the darn thing is sitting way low on the floor.

I can remember that first trip to the toilet when I came home from the hospital. I asked my husband if he could install a telescope toilet so we could raise it up and down. LOL. You know a little like a lift chair ....
Barbie892 22 Apr 2011
My tough daily workouts prior to my surgery prepared me for my recovery. I never needed help in or out of bed or in the shower due to my upper body strength, and I could easily squat to pick up things, etc. Being in good physical shape made recovery easier & fast. Also made me feel more independent.
Amy1to3 24 Apr 2011
I'm in good shape, but my plan is to do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred for, well, 30 days before my surgery. I figure than and two half marathons should have me in tip top condition!
Barbie892 24 Apr 2011
Amy, you will notice your physical strength will help you SO much during recovery! The Shred is a great idea! Plus (as you know from your marathons) you know how to reach down deep for strength.
Kristina Columbia Mo 26 May 2011
Also, work the lower back muscles. They are used a lot after and get really sore.
Zaith 12 Aug 2011
I'm quite sure it would greatly help. If you are in great shape before the surgery fast recovery is also feasible.
Emmacat 12 Aug 2011
I am a big believer in being in the best shape you can be in, before you have any kind of surgery. My mom is in her 70's and has never been one to exercise. Three years ago, she had major shoulder surgery. Before the surgery, her doctor insisted that she have six weeks of physical therapy. She was to spend a week in the hospital, and 3 to 4 weeks in a rehab center after the surgery. She ended up being in the hospital two days, and then going directly home. She did so well that she never needed to go to the rehab center. She and her doctor, both attributed her speedy recovery to the physical therapy she had before her surgery.
Knowing this, even though I am a regular exerciser, I made an effort to focus on my abs and core muscles before my tummy tuck. I also did a lot of stretching. I was able to stand up straight and walk around easily immediately after my surgery. I only needed pain meds the first day. I'm at day nine now, and have no tightness or soreness. I can even sleep flat on my back. My doctor is amazed at my progress. While everyone is different, I really believe that being in good shape before surgery, can certainly help you have an easier recovery, and a better result.
Ndngirl 13 Aug 2011
Yes the better shape you are in the easier recovery. I do pilates, I dance both bally dance and Jingle dance (an inter-tribal dance), I jog and teach dance. So I am 4 mos PO and I feel great with very minimal swelling now if any. I have been doing my fitness walks almost every day and my pace has picked up. My abs dont hurt (i had them repaired) but feel sore like if I did 3 days in a row of Pilates and ab work. But I am still cautious and have been 'minding' my PS recommendations. :) HAPPY HEALING

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