Why “listening to your body” post tummy tuck doesn’t always work!

There are a lot of strict requirements in the early days of recovery. And while that is necessary, you do still have to move, get up off the toilet, get in and out of bed or a recliner, and do a few basic things when you aren’t resting. Having strategies to do basic movements around the house can be very helpful during this time.

This can become even more confusing once you hit the 2-3 week post-op mark. You aren't cleared for exercise yet, but some women either find themselves under doing it or overdoing it.  Overdoing it can create pain and/or issues with healing, but becoming fearful around movement can create another set of challenges.

Next, getting “cleared” for exercise may also feel very overwhelming. You may be in so much pain and wondering what is wrong with you. In this case if you, “listen to your body”, you might not move much at all, which can increase aches and pains. On the other hand, if you are feeling pretty good, you may risk overdoing it and/or getting injured.  

Sometimes the guidelines given are to avoid “core work” for 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 6 months or anywhere in between. Other guidelines might include not “lifting heavy” for a certain period of time. This can become quite confusing without any specific movement strategies on HOW to progress back vs just waiting for a certain time period to pass.

Some women will experience a lot of pain well after being "cleared." There are nerve pains that can feel like burning or stabbing. Scar pain, tightness, numbness are also things that can hang around for well over a year. This can make it very overwhelming to know what to do. Movement is needed to progress and desensitize, but the pains can feel scary which may hinder movement.

On the flip side, you might not have a lot of pain, but find yourself with an injury once you return to the gym. Spending some time reconnecting with your new body by doing some intentional core progressions can go a long way in your recovery journey. 

Swelling may also become a huge mental barrier to movement.  If you “listen to your body” then you might rest more; however that doesn’t always bring the swelling down. Additionally, this is when some women can get really down about aesthetics after going through all of the pain, financial burden, and stress of surgery. This swelling leads some women to stop exercising, while leads others to over exercise - both with the goal of trying to attain a flat stomach or "visible" abs.

Support and guidance for return to fitness post tummy tuck is lacking. When left with “listening to your body,” this can create either fear around movement or a return to fitness that lacks intention and might include injuries. 

It is my hope I can bring more education and empowerment to women in their tummy tuck recoveries. 

If you or someone you know is struggling don’t hesitate to set up a 15 minute call with me to chat and check out my free downloads all about navigating tummy tuck surgery. 

I am also working hard on creating a rehab and return to fitness program with Munira Hudani, PT, so stay tuned!