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Thread: Post-surgery fitness/scars...

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    Newbie thenewgal's Avatar
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    Default Post-surgery fitness/scars...

    I had surgery a week ago on my ankle (bone spur/achilles issues that were interfering with my dance classes at school). They actually had to sever the achilles tendon during the procedure and re-attach it, which won't be any sort of issue in the long-run, but for now it means two months in a cast and/or on crutches, putting absolutely NO weight on my foot until the tendon has completely healed. While the crutches are already starting to improve my arms a bit, I'm concerned about my already-not-too-perfect waistline. I initially thought I'd be able to counter the effects of losing my daily dance classes with sit-ups and similar ab workouts, but I can't get down on the floor to do this (because once I'm down, I can't get back up!!).

    With the holidays upon us, I'm aware that the temptations of fatty delicious foods will be stronger than ever, however, this isn't too much of a concern as I'm pretty good about avoiding the holiday splurges so many others enjoy. Something about seeing that much food just makes me feel full...

    I guess what I'm trying to ask is:

    1) Does anyone have any good tips on how to stay fit while essentially bed-and-chair-ridden for two months?

    ...and....

    2) Does anyone have any good tips about hiding unsightly scars on the ankles? Do many men look at the ankles? I'm aware there are a lot of men with foot fetishes (my bf among them!) that are likely to notice, but if I slap some Dermablend on there, will that suffice, do you think?

    I've never had surgery before, so I'm at a loss about what to do when someone who relies on daily exercise to stay at a reasonable weight is suddenly completely unable to exercise from the waist down in any of her usual ways, and also what to do about scars. Fortunately, I have Dermablend already (I've got a small tattoo that I often cover up for school) so I can give that a try at no additional cost to me, but if anyone has any other tips--maybe tips on how to keep scarring at a minimum??--I'd really love to hear them.

    Now that the terror of going under the knife is past, it has been replaced with the paralyzing fear of uncontrolled weight gain and hideous scars that run the entire length of my ankle!! :o

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    Default Re:Post-surgery fitness/scars...

    Waist- While you are sitting up, sit up as straight and tall as you can and suck in so your abs are hard. Sit like that all the time. If you can do that all day your abs will be solid. Since you can't do cardio it is really important to watch what you eat. Eat as healthy as you can. If you already eat healthy, eat healthier. You're going to have to make a change in your diet for the better to compensate for the lack of activity. Eat small meals often.

    Scars- Don't let any UV rays get to them for at least a year. Wear sunblock on them if you are in the sun. Use Mederma for your scars. You can get it at Walmart. It works. I've used it before.

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    Default Re:Post-surgery fitness/scars...

    Having had surgery not too long ago myself, I feel your pain. I was on bed rest for almost a month and then only light activity for another month. My recovery period was longer than it should have been due to complications, which occured partially because I wasn't resting as much as I should have been. The bad news is you will get out of shape, but you should be able to get it back pretty quickly. I ended up gaining about 7 lbs., but I ended up dropping 9 lbs. within 2 weeks of being back to normal activity, so I'm actually down 2 lbs overall now.
    The important thing right now is to take is easy and focus on healing, you don't want to push yourself and delay your recovery.

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    Default Re:Post-surgery fitness/scars...

    You can still do abdominal work in an upright position. Sitting tall in a chair (with no arms on it), you can do simple side bends (really squeeze the abs and really force the muscles to work). You can also do crunches this way...you don't need to be lying down to get a good ab workout. You can also (before you get out of bed in the morning) scoot to the end of your bed and do several sets of leg raises.

    In all, though, you really need to watch your diet. No matter how many crunches you do per day, if you have a crappy diet, you WILL get that belly.

    Happy holidays and have a speedy recovery!!

    Oh, dermablend has a new coverup for scars and stuff...I don't know how old the scar needs to be before you can use it though...and what Kobi suggested (Mederma) should work good too.


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    Newbie thenewgal's Avatar
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    Default Re:Post-surgery fitness/scars...

    Thank you all so much! As I said before, I've never had to deal with this kind of a situation before--I've never not been able to at least dance off the pounds! It's really rather difficult not to be able to tap under the table at meals or to randomly do leaps and turns around the kitchen... *sigh*

    I especially appreciate the workout suggestions. I'm already giving them a try! I know what I'll be doing Christmas Eve while I'm stuck in a chair at my grandparents' house and everyone else is stuffing themselves full of honey baked ham, turkey, and devilled eggs...!

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