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Abdominoplasty Healing
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Question: I am a 41 year old female and have been lifting weights for 2.5 years. I
got most of my information from here as a long time lurker so I use free
weights, compound exercises, heavy as I can lift with good form (except I
haven't added weight to my chins). I haven't added much weight to my lifts
during the past several months, I guess primarily because I've gotten a
little bored with the routine, and I've been to lazy to sit down and figure
out a way to change it.
I have just had abdominal surgery, and have to lay off the lifting for 6
weeks. I will be able to start the stair master/ bike/ treadmill/ highway/
in a couple of days when I will be 2 weeks out from surgery.
My question: Any idea how long it will take me to get to my pre operative
level of strength, and muscle mass. I know it shouldn't take as long as it
did to get there to begin with, but I'm not sure what to expect when I
start back.
And at what rate do you lose muscle when you stop lifting. I sit here
imagining all my hard earned muscle atrophy away.
Answer: What kind of surgery? This may make a big difference.
If it was Modified Abdominoplasty. The rectus muscle separation following
childbearing was repaired, and a small amout of excess skin was removed.
I just had this with a TAH/BSO, but mine was extensive.
You have the drains? Mine came out at 9 days, post-op. I was up walking 2
miles at 14 days. I didn't use the narcotics for pain, they really delay
healing.
My surgical nurse friend told me to rest after every activity, was allowed
to drive at 4 weeks, waited till 6.
After 6 weeks I was told to resume full activities. Okay, I cheated, but I
listen to what my body is telling me, and once I feel *any* pulling, I back
off. You may swell, so don't be surprised by that. I was told a year to see
full results, but I'm not going to sit around; get back into it slowly, and
you may want to start at lighter weights at first, so you don't cause
injury.
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