I'm 2 Weeks Post Op Tummy Tuck when Can I Return to the Gym I'm Worried I Will Put Weight on Not Doing Any Thing?

Many women worry about gaining weight when they stop their workout regimen. However a tummy tuck is a big operation which requires a rest period for adequate healing so that the work performed by your surgeon isn’t undone by a strain.  You really need to follow the post-operative regimen prescribed by your surgeon to ensure that you get your proper care and the best result.

    Walking is generally OK to an extent after surgery.  Most surgeons recommend 4 to 6 weeks before allowing patients to return to more strenuous activity.

I have my patients wait 6 weeks before resuming regular activities.  I wouldn't worry about gaining weight as long as you eat healthy and walking is good for you. Different surgeons have different guidelines, you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her advice. Good luck.

If you had a plication of a rectus diastasis which is usually done with a tummy tuck you can risk stretching this out.  It takes about 6 weeks to reach stability of your incisions inside and out and about 6 months to reach maximum strength.  Usually by 6 weeks you should be OK to resume regular pre-surgical activities.  Walking is ok before reaching 6 weeks but only if you wear a binder and clear it with you plastic surgeon.  In my opinion and based on the science of wound healing,  2 weeks is too soon to do any non-essential activity, as it could compromise the cosmetic outcome.  All of these time suggestions are estimates and should be discussed with you plastic surgeon.

Doing too much too soon is not a good idea. Your body needs time to heal and recover. Typically you will want to wait 6 weeks to return to regular exercise. You may be able to do some light exercise earlier, such as taking walks. It is best if you discuss this with your surgeon as he/she is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

As part of my preop consultation and postop instructions exercise and activity level is discussed thoroughly.  The exact timelines may vary between surgeons so you should discuss with yours.  As far as walking, I like patients to walk as soon after surgery as possible.  You may need to walk in a bent over posture for a few days.  Walking up stairs is ok.  No driving a car for 2 weeks.  Slamming on the brakes requires use of abdominal muscles.  No strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.  Recovering from surgery requires more calories than maintaining the status quo. Don't worry about gaining weight until after your recovery. After the 6 weeks you can slowly work back into your exercise routine.

Thank you for your question.

This is a common concern for many patients who undergo the tummy tuck surgery.  You should speak with your surgeon because he/she knows you best but generally, walking at 2 weeks post op is allowed. Going to the gym will depend on exactly what you are planning on doing at the gym.

Remember that you had this procedure performed for an aesthetic result so listen to your surgeon in regards to your activity level.

Best wishes.

Hi Marie,

Thank you for your question.  For a full tummy tuck, I have my patients walk immediately for exercise, then may go to the gym for ISOLATED arm workouts without activating your core muscles or stretching the incision after two weeks, then start to ramp up to full activity starting 6 weeks out.  Every surgeon is different, however, and you should consult with your surgeon for his input.

Best Wishes!

Pablo Prichard, MD

That is a question to be addressed to your surgeon. Much depends on what was done at surgery, and what you will be doing at the gym. Your surgeon will most certainly permit walking without limitation. It takes longer, but it works' 

The incision strength (internal and external) reaches about 90% of its maximum strength by about 6 weeks, so that is a customary and experienced-based time that most surgeons allow their patients to resume full activity.

Thanks for your question, best wishes.