Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Recent Surgery


Mon, March 29, 2010 1:25 PM

Hi All!
I recently had a bowel and partial colon resection done laprascopically.  I am healing very well but have a few issues.  First, I ended up with a pocket (medical term I cannot spell) that filled with fluid.  I went back to the surgeon and was told it was normal and would probably weep for a few days.  Now that has stopped but I still have a lot of pain and tenderness around my belly button incision. 
I am hoping to return to work next week.  In preparation, I wanted to start trying to do a few things each day to get my energy back but I am so easily worn out.
I am wondering what type of exercise I should attempt besides walking.  I am mostly interested in finding out if Yoga would be okay for me to do.  Any suggestions or words of wisdom to get back to my normal or should I say, my new life is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

FPO lil109
Joined Sep 18, 2008

Sun, April 25, 2010 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for lil109.

If you are still in the post-op period, you should NOT attempt anything other than walking. Too much strain from the core before it's properly healed can cause a hernia. Wait four to six weeks. Then try some light Pilates, Yoga, walking, and, if you're feeling fantastic, some low-impact aerobics. But DO NOT overdo. If you feel any twinge, back off. If the twinge continues, stop exercising immediately.


Before surgery, I had been an advanced exerciser for a few years. I did circuit workouts and squatted about 41 lbs. When I first started exercise, I swore by Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds. The movements provide phenomenal stretch and core work that strengthened the area without being over the top. Your goal should be to find it easier to move around once the workout is over. I did the One Mile walk, approximately fifteen minutes. When I finished, I could feel my abdominals loosen up. I modified the stretches, and didn't lift my leg as high, but I worked until I did it and then some. You will too. Just give it time and listen to your body.

FPO aaroneet
Joined Oct 19, 2009

Fri, April 16, 2010 1:11 PM

 Reply posted for lil109.

Chi Gong and Tai Chi are a wonder exercises of build muscle strength and balance.  I too had recent colon resectional surgery.  I perform small sections of the forms that I know.  I am planning to return to my full practice asap.  A very gentle Kripalu yoga practice might help.  All the best, VeraMae

FPO veramae
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Related Topics

Small bowel resection
Author Image jess123
Joined Jan 9, 2022

Hi, I'm preparing to have an ileocecal resecti....

read more

Issues after complete sur...
Author Image Rolo
Joined Feb 25, 2024

Hello, I have had all 3 surgeries to complete m....

read more

Ostomy Support
Author Image JohnWalsh
Joined Dec 11, 2023

Are there wound care experts or professionals that....

read more