Can I start running 7 weeks after belt Lipectomy?

Question

Had a full belt lipectomy done on December 16th 2016. Recovery going well, no complications. Went back to the gym after one month and have been doing brisk walking and stationary bike. I feel great and I'd like to start running but my surgeon said wait for full 2 months ( which is only 12 days from now ). Wanted to get opinions from other surgeons on whether it would be harmful for me to start running before the full two months or if some light running ( 3 or 4 miles ) is ok? Thank you

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. If you exercise or do some particular activity that results in pain or swelling you are doing too much for your personal recovery at that time. Not everyone heals the same. You need to make sure that you don’t cause more swelling. Fighting the swelling or working through the pain will certainly backfire. I prefer the patients to stay in town for two weeks if they from more than 2-3 hours away. I do not allow patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks at the very minimum.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually let my patients exercise 6 weeks after these surgeries. It should be a gradual resumption as tolerated. The best guide to your activity is just listening to your body. If it doesn't hurt, it is probably ok.  If it hurts or swells or if you feel too much pulling on the incisions, stop what you are doing and try again later. It is always best to listen to the advice of your surgeon, as he or she knows you, how your surgery went, and how you are recovering. Some patients heal faster than others.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Why risk it, it is only 12 more days? Different surgeons have different opinions on this, your surgeon knows you best and is following how you are healing. My advice is for you to follow your surgeon's recommendations! Good luck.

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

Surgeons have differing opinions on resuming extensive exercise after a belt lipectomy. It sounds like your surgeon has delivered a good result so far, so I would follow his advice. Best of luck.

Donald W. Hause, MD · Answer

Can you run 7 weeks after a belt lipectomy? I guess it depends on how big and mean the person is that is chasing you! Sorry....... With respect to increasing activity after surgery, we all recommend a reasonable time that has safety as the first concern. Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon. However, at 7 weeks the incision is usually strong enough but the lymphatic drainage is not completely recovered. Increased activity (salty food and alcohol) may cause you to swell significantly and become very uncomfortable. That should not injure you, but it might take a few days to mobilize the extra fluid during which you might feely like you got hit by a truck. Everyone is different in this regard. So, recommending 2 months is a common instruction so that you don't overdo the activity and take a few steps backwards. Sounds like you picked a very safe surgeon. Best of luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow your doctor's instructions.  I usually allow patients to go back to full activities within 6-8 weeks.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You should always follow your surgeon's own instructions because no one knows your case better. Seeking alternate opinions to justify what you want to do and have been advised not to isn't in your own best interest.  I would encourage you to wait the additional twelve days and enjoy the positive outcome of your procedure