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Will I be able to run again, and how soon?

By Amy1to3 on 10 Feb 2011

I've found this website so helpful, so I'm hoping for more help. I'm in the "consultation" phase of this process after having gigantic twin boys 11 months ago. I run for sanity, health and recreation. Are any of you runners? How long were you sidelined and how did it feel to run again? Thanks!

Comments (29)

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Barbie892 11 Feb 2011
I am a lifelong runner and it truly is my alone & sanity time. I'm 6 weeks post-op now & I have been power walking for a week. Plus I have been phasing in my weights gradually. My PS me promise not to hit it too hard until I'm at 8 weeks primarily because I'm such a hard core workout fanatic and I tend to really go at it. So far I'm good and I can feel my strength really coming back. You will figure out what's right for you!
Amy1to3 14 Feb 2011
Thanks, Barbie, that's encouraging!

Had my first consult today, and the surgeon feels I do not need muscle repair and a modified procedure without muscle involvement will give me the result I want without extensive down time. He actually said to me "I think you're too hard on yourself. You're abdomen is not in such bad shape!" Which I appreciated.

I still have a few more consults, but the price I was quoted for the abdominoplasty plus breast augmentation (your classic "mommy make-over") was better than I thought it would be, and I was very impressed with this surgeon and his staff. I work in the medical field (I'm a clinical pharmacist), so I got some very in depth answers to my questions.

I'm starting to feel excited now...hopefully I'll still feel that way after my next few appointments!
trishvan99 14 Feb 2011
I am 6weeks post op and not running yet. I walk on treadmill, cycle, and do some light weights. Last year I did a half marathon, I can't wait to start running again. I am cautios and follow my ps instructions about exercise.
Barbie892 14 Feb 2011
Amy & Trish (fellow runners) the way I look at this is that I just invested some serious $$$ towards a fabulous looking tummy. The least I can do is follow my PS's advice and take it easy before I hit the road running again. As much as I'd love to just head out, I'm taking my time & letting my body heal. Ironically, I tweaked my achilles and had a bad case of tendinitis months ago. Having my TT surgery forced me to take the break I needed to heal THAT! Heal your tummy first; the road will be there for you when you're ready.
KSP2 22 Feb 2011
I am 4 weeks now and definitely not ready to run yet, although my surgeon said it was ok to do so lightly. I do a lot of walking though. But I find if I try to increase the speed, my insides really tighten up. I've also gone back to yoga this week, which is really helping to stretch out and make my back feel better (I think my back got the worst from this operation!). And I'll do some light weights later this week too. I don't want to rush anything and set myself back.
Amy1to3 23 Feb 2011
Thanks for the feedback, ladies! I'm not a speed demon by any means, but I do love to hit the trails near my house in the summertime. My surgery date is tentatively scheduled for 5/31 pending my husband's final approval for his time off work. I'm going to do a half in October (one I do every year) and my PS said that I'd be ready to do that for sure, that by July "light" training would likely be fine. I just wanted to get a feel for what people have noticed post-op :)
Thanks again, and I'll keep you posted!
Gracey 23 Feb 2011
Hi Barbie & Ladies- I had run my first 2 half marathons immediately before my TT surgery (12/13), so I wanted very much to not lose all my conditioning. Well my PS said I could not run even one step for six weeks Post op. She did allow me to walk on my treadmill at 2.0 miles per hour (slow!!) starting the second week. I was only allowed to walk one mile. Now I am 10 weeks PO and am back to running 4 miles, 3x a week. I will begin to train for a race next week. It has been hard to follow Dr orders but I have done it. I wish you all the best.
Amy1to3 23 Feb 2011
Did you have muscle repair/tightening? My doc said this is what would lay me up, but fortunately I don't need it (no diastasis...amazing after a twin pregnancy!) so I'm hoping for more like 4 - 6 weeks vs. 10 :)
Gracey 23 Feb 2011
I did have the muscle repair and I know that is a big part of the recovery. I am not sure how that will change your recovery time. It IS amazing that you don't need muscle repair after a twin pregnancy. I was able to start running at 6 weeks and began by run/walking. I did about 2 miles, so probably ran close to one.
Barbie892 23 Feb 2011
Thanks for the insight Gracey! I will use your guideline.
Gracey 23 Feb 2011
Maybe u won't have to wait as long as I did. Check with your PS. Let me know. ; )
Nicks Mom 24 Feb 2011
Do you think I could do a 2 day walk 26 miles first day 13 miles second day being 8 weeks out of PO? I don't have to go fast just long time on my feet. do you think I will swell too much?
Gracey 24 Feb 2011
Wow San Fran! Tough call! This is a question that only your doctor can answer. I am 10 weeks PO and still am swelling so much when I run 4 miles. I just have no idea if your body will be ready to handle that.
cantwaitformytummytuck 30 Dec 2011
So you are about a year out post op right Gracey? Do you feel your running is stronger now than before surgery because the abs have been repaired? I'd like to know how running is different for you now than before surgery. I am one month postoperative and dying to run!! Definately not ready yet.
Barbie892 25 Feb 2011
San Fran, I agree with Gracey. That's a tough call. Not sure I'd want to log that many miles and I'm at 8 weeks. Definitely check with your PS.
trishvan99 25 Feb 2011
Ladies,
I am a runner, I did a half marathon last Jan. I'm 8 wks post op and have been running about a 1/4 mile the walk then run etc.... it is hard for me. I feel like a brick in my belly. I am able to strength train witout feeling uncomfortable. I love to run and will keep trying. Wish you all the best.
aimeeadair 24 Mar 2011
Hi trishavan! I had my TT on 2/8/11 and i too feel a brick in my belly...is yours getting any better...do you know if its gonna go away? i was kinda hoping for a six pack not this kind of hard belly!!
Dallas929 25 Feb 2011
Thanks Gracy and Barbie892 for the guidelines on what you are doing at which week in the stage. I have my 6 week appointment next week and am hoping for a go ahead to start working out again.
Barbie892 26 Feb 2011
Thanks to all the ladies for their feedback. It really does help to hear how other runners feel trying to get back to their workouts post op. I'm going to try Trish's method of running about 1/4 and then continue power walking then run again. Sounds like a great way to get started & to build strength. I'm back to my weight lifting, just nothing over my head and no serious core/ab work yet. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery!!
Amy1to3 27 Feb 2011
I'm a go! New boobs and a new belly on 5/31 (0830...first surgery of the day after a long weekend. Hopefully my doc is well rested!)

Since scheduling this surgery I've heard many, many glowing reviews of this surgeon and one not so glowing. On the whole, he has a great reputation!

I'll post some pics after the procedure and update on my progress! I'm so excited!!!
Happy135 8 Mar 2011
Congrats!! I have my surgery on the 29th! tt/ba
Nicks Mom 8 Mar 2011
Had to change my date to 5/31 so we will be in on the same day. I go in at 7:30. TT -BR&Lift lipo flanks and bra strap line. Long day. I'm staying over night in the hospital..You?
Amy1to3 24 Apr 2011
Nope, outpatient. I'll go home that afternoon. I live about 5 miles from the hospital and my husband is a paramedic, so I'll be in good hands :)
Nicks Mom 27 Feb 2011
I'm going in the next day 6/1 let's keep in touch. I have to put my son to bed but will email later.
Barbie892 5 Mar 2011
I had an easy paced but great 4 mile run this morning which felt really good. I was more concerned about my Achilles tendinitis (which thankfully is fine) than my tummy.

I'm 9 weeks and 3 days post op. Aside from leaving out major core/ab action, I'm back to my full workouts which for me means sanity!

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