Exercise after Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring surgery is an enormous investment of time, emotions and physical energy.

Therefore, it is vital that you do all you can to optimise your recovery and results and are able to return to normal physical activity as soon as safely possible, and do so without compromising your physical and mental health.

The following is a general guide to help you understand the why, what and how of post-surgery exercise and return to normality.

Understanding the wounds

• External Wounds: These are the visible wounds on your skin. Proper care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Internal Wounds: These wounds are beneath the skin and might not be visible but can cause significant discomfort. Healing these is just as important to ensure a full recovery.

The importance of caution

Caution is paramount to prevent damage and strain to both external and internal wounds, ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Reasons for Caution:

• Avoid Undue Stress: Straining muscles that have been tightened or repaired can lead to a breakdown of that muscle repair and a compromised outcome.
• Prevent Wound Opening: Straining and stretching of the wounds can compromise wound healing and cause wounds to breakdown. This will result in wound healing issues including delayed healing, poor scars, infection.
• Prevent Bleeding: Both external and internal wounds are susceptible to bleeding, which can cause swelling and haematoma formation.
• Control Swelling: Physical exertion can increase blood pressure and strain surgical sites, leading to increased swelling.
• Prevent Infection: Open wounds are prone to infection, which can significantly delay recovery.
• Avoid Tissue Necrosis: Overexertion can lead to tissue necrosis, causing loss of skin and soft tissue.
• Maximise Results: Proper care and caution ensure the best possible surgical outcomes.

Managing caloric intake post-surgery

After massive weight loss, patients often maintain a strict calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise routine. Following surgery physical activity is limited, which means you are burning less calories. Furthermore, whilst recovering at home it is easy to consume more calories. Given you have typically worked extremely hard to lose weight and become fitter and healthier, it is vital that you make serious efforts to control calorie input until such a time you are able to return to normal training. Otherwise, you could very easily end up a great deal heavier within a month or two after surgery which could have negative impacts on your surgical satisfaction.

It is essential to:

• Control Calorie Intake: Monitor food intake to avoid gaining weight during the recovery period.
• Maintain Diet Discipline: Stick to a healthy eating plan to prevent weight gain and ensure overall well-being.

Recovery versus rehabilitation

Understanding the difference between recovery and rehabilitation is crucial. Recovery is the immediate post-surgery period focused on healing wounds, while rehabilitation is the gradual return to normal physical activity.

• Recovery – weeks 1- 6:  Focuses on wound healing, pain management, and preventing complications. Avoid any strenuous activities or core-straining exercises for the first six weeks.

• Rehabilitation – after week 6: Gradual increase in physical activity to regain strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Gradual return to physical activity

A sensible and safe return to exercise enhances both physical and mental health. Exercise deconditioning and surgical pain must be considered when planning your return to physical activity.

Recovery phase – general guidelines for weeks 1 to 6:

Week 1:

• Day 1 post surgery is largely limited to standing and taking a few steps.
• Upon discharge from hospital, you will need to be able to walk slowly and be confident with simple walking around the house and helping yourself to the bathroom.
• The real focus here is rest and gentle movements.
• Avoid any strenuous activities.

Week 2:

• Gradually introduce light activities, like short walks.
• Avoid any exercises that strain the core or surgical site.

Week 3 & 4:

• Continue with gentle activities, gradually increasing intensity.
• Monitor your body’s response and avoid overexertion.
• You should be able to do undertake most light activities around the house.

Week 5 & 6:

• Start incorporating more regular activities into your routine.
• Begin light exercises, avoiding heavy lifting or intense workouts.
• You can go for brisk walks and walking on a treadmill.
• Listen to you body and slowly increase, but once again ensuring no heavy physical exertion.

‘REHABILITATION’ BEGINS – General Guidelines After Week 6:

• After six weeks, the recovery is over. You are basically beyond the stage where you can now compromise your surgical outcome. Therefore, consider this to be when you commence your physical rehabilitation stage. Attempt anything you like, listen to your body, and week by week you will get better and better.
• However, you must be patient and sensible – when you are a surgical patient, you must be patient!
• Eventually you will be back to normal and would have forgotten you had surgery. However, this will take many months.

Other FAQS

What Are Some Signs That I Might Be Overdoing My Exercise Routine Post-Surgery?

• Fatigue and Malaise: Feeling overly tired or emotionally drained is common. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
• Recovery Fluctuations: Experiencing days when you feel like you’re regressing is normal. These are signals to take a break.
• Listening to Your Body: Your body will signal when it needs rest or is being overexerted. Pay attention to these signals to avoid setbacks in your recovery.

Are there specific dietary recommendations to follow when resuming exercise after surgery?

• Nutritionist Consultation: Consider seeing a nutritionist to help provide education on healthy eating habits tailored specifically for your body and lifestyle.
• High-Fiber Diet: A diet high in fiber helps normalise bowel movements, especially in the initial recovery phase.

Conclusion

Returning to exercise after body contouring surgery requires patience, caution, and listening to your body. By following these guidelines and being mindful of your recovery process, you can safely and effectively return to your fitness routine and enjoy the best possible results from your surgery.