Exercising makes your everyday life easier to manage. Especially in the months after your surgery, where it can really help speed up the recovery, as the physical activity gives you more energy and makes you stronger and better equipped to cope with illnesses.
Furthermore, exercise can prevent complications that may otherwise occur from sitting or lying down too long.
Being fit can make your pouch fit even better
A great side effect of exercising – and for many people the main reason for exercise in the first place – is weight-loss or weight-maintenance. Depending on the shape of your stoma a firmer, flatter abdomen could make it easier to get a tight fit from your ostomy appliance, thereby minimizing leakage risks.
So by exercising and losing weight there is a good chance you can reduce some of the problems you might have otherwise had.
Exercise will boost your confidence
As you start exercising, you will feel an almost immediate boost in your awareness of yourself. Exercising makes you feel better about yourself in ways that go far beyond looks and physique.
This appreciation is really good for building self-confidence and could help give you the energy and courage to really get back to the way you lived before your surgery.
How exercise can help stress
An active lifestyle means stronger heart, a better blood circulation, better breathing and healthier skin among other things.
It can also help boost your confidence and give you more energy overall. This can help against any stress you might feel after your operation.
If you are not used to exercise
It doesn't matter if you didn't do much exercise before your surgery; you can just as well get started now as you could before your operation. The simple rule is: Take it easy, start out slowly and built up gradually. You may start out with a daily walk to the end of the block.
Things to be aware of
Before exercising be sure to empty your pouch for greater freedom of movement and a reduced risk of leakage. And make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise.
Until your stoma and abdominal area are fully healed, strenuous activities can put you at risk for a hernia. Simple exercise will help, however you should avoid any kind of heavy lifting for the first six to eight weeks after your surgery. The Core 4 is a good set of exercise to start with.
Later on there are nearly no limits to what you can do, as long as you take the right precautions. But you should always ask your doctor or stoma care nurse to give the green light, before you start exercising.
This website includes general guidelines. Always follow the instructions by your healthcare provider.
