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Health and Wellness
Oct 31, 2024
Staying Fit After Surgery: A Guide for Ostomy Patients
After ostomy surgery, many people face challenges adjusting to their new routine. You might worry about how your body will change and if you can still do the activities you love. But staying healthy is very important!
Keeping fit helps you feel stronger, boosts your energy, and improves your mood. It can also help prevent complications and make recovery easier.
In this guide, you will learn helpful tips for staying active, managing your diet, and staying hydrated. Let’s explore how you can enjoy a healthy, active life after your surgery!
How to Keep Fit After an Ostomy Surgery [8 Tips for Optimal Recovery]
1. Focus on Low-Impact Activities
After ostomy surgery, low-impact activities help you stay fit without straining your body. Try walking for 15 to 20 minutes, two or three times daily, if your doctor says it’s okay. Walking gently helps improve strength and energy.
You can also do easy arm raises at home. Sit straight in a chair, lift one arm above your head, and hold your tummy muscles firm. Switch to the other arm and repeat. These small movements build strength and keep you active. Always listen to your body and go at your own pace.
2. Prioritize Core Strengthening Exercises
Core exercises are important because they help support your body and improve balance after surgery. While working out, managing yourostomy bag supplies can be a concern for many people. But there’s no need to worry—with a little preparation, you can exercise comfortably. For instance:
Always empty your ostomy bag before your workout
Ensure the seal around your stoma is secure to avoid any accidental leaks during exercise.
You can even use an ostomy support belt or garment for added security
Know where the nearest bathrooms are when you exercise to empty your bag when needed.
When all set, you can try these simple core moves:
i) Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently press your lower back into the floor, then relax. This helps strengthen your tummy muscles.
ii) Leg Lifts: Lie on your back, legs straight. Slowly lift one leg a few inches off the ground, keeping your core tight. Lower it, then switch legs.
iii) Knee Rolls: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Roll both knees to one side, then back to the center. Repeat on the other side.
iv) Kneeling: On your hands and knees, tighten your core and extend one arm forward, keeping balance. Switch arms.
3. Fitness Classes at the Gym
Joining fitness classes at the gym is a great way to stay active after surgery. Classes like gentle yoga, stretching, or light aerobics can help you build strength, improve balance, and boost energy. Plus, working out with others can keep you motivated and make exercise more fun!
If you’re new to the gym, ask about classes that are gentle on the body. It’s also helpful to have a fitness trainer who can guide you. Trainers know which exercises are best for your needs and can show you how to do them safely. Many gyms offer beginner classes, so ask about options that work for you!
4. Continue Your Daily Activities
After you heal from surgery, you can often return to the activities you loved before! It’s important to listen to your body and get your doctor’s approval first. If you feel good, you might enjoy swimming, yoga, or Pilates. These activities are gentle and help with strength.
You can also try cycling or even running, but remember to build up slowly. Focus on strengthening your core muscles first. Joining fitness classes like Zumba can be a fun way to stay active and meet new friends. Keep moving and enjoy doing what you love! Staying active will help you feel stronger and happier.
5. Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important after having surgery. Some people may need to avoid very fibrous foods, like sweet corn, popcorn, peas, and potato skins, which can cause blockages.
Foods that can cause loose stools include fruits, vegetables, salads, alcohol, fizzy drinks, chocolate, fruit juice, fish, spicy food, nuts, caffeine, and high-fiber foods like bran. Also, some foods can create extra gas and odors, such as onions, garlic, beans, and certain vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.
To help thicken your output, try jelly babies, marshmallows, bananas, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, toast, porridge, peanut butter, and apple sauce. Everyone reacts to food differently, so it’s best to experiment and see what works for you!
6. Proper Hydration
Drinking enough water helps your body heal and keeps everything working properly. It’s especially important if you have an ostomy, as you may lose more fluids. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but you might need more, especially if you exercise. Avoid too many sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they can cause dehydration.
7. Be Aware of Possible Complications
It’s really important to know about possible complications when you want to keep fit after surgery. Being aware helps you stay safe while exercising. Some issues can happen, especially for people with a stoma. Here are some common problems to watch
for and tips to help prevent them:
Complication | Prevention Tips |
Ostomy pouch leakage | Check your pouch before you exercise and empty it. |
Parastomal hernia | Avoid heavy lifting and strengthen your core gently. |
Dry mouth | Drink plenty of water before and during workouts. |
Fatigue | Rest when you need to and don’t overdo it. |
Muscle or stomach cramps | Always warm up and cool down properly. |
Light-headedness | Take breaks and sit down if you feel dizzy. |
8. Maintain Ongoing Consultation with Your Doctor
It’s important to keep talking to your doctor after surgery. Regular check-ups help ensure that you’re healing well and staying healthy. Your doctor can give you advice about what exercises are best for you. If you have any questions or worries about working out, don’t hesitate to ask them. They are there to help you stay safe and fit as you continue your recovery!
In Closing
Staying fit after ostomy surgery is possible and can make a big difference in how you feel. By starting slowly and finding exercises that work for you, you can improve your health and confidence. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and support along the way. You’ve got this!
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