Long story short, I had a D&C back in mid-June followed by a complicated laparotomy on June 30, and so I haven't been allowed to exercise for the past 6 weeks. It will be another 3 weeks before I see my Dr. again and get the all-clear to return to exercise, but I'm getting really anxious to get back into the gym. Right now I'm only allowed light walking and so that's what I'm trying to do (even that isn't easy right now, to be honest), but I have a few questions for when I'm able to exercise again (and just some general questions for anyone who has had a laparotomy or C-section before) - and I thought all you knowledgeable people here might be able to help.

I guess I'd just like to get some advice on how I should begin when I'm able to start exercising again. Do I start slowly, or can I push myself? My previously exercise routine was cardio only 3x/week (walking 3.8mph on an incline on the treadmill) and cardio + moderate strength training (30-100 lbs, depending on the exercise) 2-3x/week. I know I won't be able to exercise at that level to start, but how much weight is safe to lift? Will it be pushing too hard to start going back to the gym 5-6 days per week right away; should I start with less?

If you've had a laparotomy or C-section, how long did it take before you felt up to doing moderate/heavy exercise again (getting sweaty and heart rate up with cardio; lifting weights)? How long did it take before you could do abdominal exercises without pain? How long did it take you to get back to your previous fitness level?


I don't even know how I'll feel about jumping right back into exercise in 3 weeks, but I am so anxious to get back to it when I am allowed and feel well enough. Anyway, I'd love any advice or suggestions that you have, or to hear about your experiences with this. Thank you!!

I think it totally depends on how you feel. I had a C-section eight weeks ago, and I'm back exercising full-force. I was doing light walks around two weeks, started couch-to-5k at six weeks, and started some more intense weights and aerobics this week. I think c25k or a similar program is a good way to get started exercising again, actually - only three days a week and pretty easy at first, so you're not going to kill yourself doing it, but it will gradually build you up. I know I had a pretty easy recovery, though, so you may need to take it a bit slower. I always stop what I'm doing if I feel ANY pain whatsoever around the incision site or internally - no sense taking chances.

Oh, and as far as ab work... I still am not totally comfortable with it. I've done a few light things, but I'm hesitant to do anything really hardcore still. I still get a little pain if I sit up suddenly in bed, for example.

Thank you very much for your perspective and experience, BigChief. I really appreciate it.

C25K was actually really tough for me when I tried it before (I was never a runner, even when my weight was much lower), so that might be a hard thing for me to take on when getting back into exercise. I will definitely listen to my body though and just try to go from there.

Thank you again!