Exercise Post Op

When and how much exercise did everyone do post op?

My surgeon advised that I could start exercising again as soon as I felt like I was up to it and the only thing I shouldn't be doing is lifting weights and weight bearing exercises until after 8 weeks.

I started short gym workouts like the exercise bike and cross trainer (no arms) at 3 weeks post op and now I am nearly 9 weeks post op I am back to running 3 to 4 times a week and 1 to 2 gym classes like circuits and spin. I've had a few occasions where me boobs have felt a bit achy the following day so have took it easy. Plus I am used to doing that level of training as I ran my first marathon 10 days before my op. 

I am a bit worried that perhaps I am doing too much and this will have a adverse effect and cause complications with my BA. They are strapped down in max support running sports bras so I dont get any bouncing. I am scared to do any sort of weights and strength training yet so if anyone knows when its safe to do so then please let me know.

Ruth x

Most of the time the exercise rules should be laid out in your post op notes. You need to adhere to them otherwise it can invalidate your aftercare. Within that though, it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with. E.g for me I was allowed to exercise at 8wk, but there's no way I could have. It was around 3/4months before I was happy to go for a jog again. 

Make sure you're in a super supportive sports bra (shock absorbers and triumph triaction are top of the picks), and just see how you go. If it hurts, take some time off and take it down a notch. I know it's difficult, especially if you have an active lifestyle, but do you really want to compromise yourself and all that money just for the sake of some exercise?

Your boobs will let you know as they have done in aching when you're doing too much Ruth. 

You've already been sensible in listening to your own body and resting up when you need to and keeping your new boobs is a good supportive bra. 

Just take things slowly, listen to your body and you'll be just fine  

Ruth it's great to hear you're running so much again. I'm a runner/marathoner too and really worry about not being able to run/exercise properly after. I can deal with the time off I need to take but want to make sure I get it back again! What is it like running with boobs? I can't imagine it!!

I kept to the guidelines in post op aftercare notes which advised that no exercise for 3 weeks and then light gym workouts only until 6 weeks post op when to return to normal exercise activities. I have been wearing shock absorbers running bras which keep them firmly in place and I don't feel any movement or bouncing at all.  My surgeon is also a runner and he always advised that I will be fine running but just wanted to hear from any other runners and gym users with ba's. I am slowly building up my fitness again as understand that recovery takes a lot longer. 

Hi daisychain good to hear from another runner.  I was really worried about not being able to run & exercise but I have been taking it a lot easier post op. But am glad to be running again now and it felt really weird running at first with my new boobs as they seemed in the way but with my shock absorber bra strapping them in place it doesn't seem any different now. Apart from occassionally knocking my boobs with my arms as there wasn't anything in the way before!

Hi Ruth, just thought id post because i had my 1st post op check today and am 18 days post op so a little under 3 weeks. I was also cleared to resume activities and asked about exercise and was told that i could resume exercise so long as i did no upper body wirkout until after my next check up. So long as I had a firm support sports bra to hold the girls in place i could go running. He also said to just listen to my body. I guess it all depends on how our bodies heal. I was a bit concerned but glad someone else has posted about this. It puts my worries at ease a bit. I never had to think about jiggling before! Xx