Exercises prior to DIEP reconstruction

Teslafied

Hi there.  I’m going to be having BMX with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. Not sure yet if it’s going to be next month or January.  I have never been very consistent with exercising, but I’m not in horrible shape.  Since my last re-excision has healed pretty well, I’ve been trying to prepare for this next huge surgery.  I’ve been eating much healthier, drinking a lot more water, have been using my elliptical for 20 minutes each morning and trying to walk as much as possible. I know I should be doing more, especially to firm up my arms and abs. I don’t plan on trying to get my abs in that good of shape right now, I just want the area to be somewhat stronger.  Does anyone have any suggestions for the best exercises to do prior to this type of surgery?  I have healed fairly quickly without any pain after my initial lumpectomy and 2 re-excisions.  I realize that it is going to be a much longer and most likely more painful recovery this time around.  I am hoping that by maybe getting my body into some kind of better shape prior, it may help with the recovery process, at least a little bit.  I’ve found some articles and posts about exercising after DIEP surgery, but not much about before surgery.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😀

Meow13

I had a single side DIEP and was doing 1hr treadmill and 1 mile swimming back and forth every other day. So each day I was getting aerobic exercise and one day a week adding yoga. After my DIEP, 2 months later I was back to it. I wanted to tell you I was hestitant to ride my bike, skate and ski again. I was worried about falling and pulling a muscle or causing a hernia. Well I skate, ski, and bike now! No problems.

Yogatyme

having decent abs helps a lot. When I had my BMX, they didn’t want me using my arms to even get out of bed. I also had nodes out on the cancer side, so this may be why......reduce the risk of lymphedema.

Trishyla

Beef up your thighs. As much as you can. Since you're having a double mastectomy and DIEP flap, they will be your go to muscles both for standing up and getting out of bed.

Good luck. It's a big surgery, but totally worth it.

Trish

Teslafied

Thanks, Ladies.  I am going to try and dig out my dumbbells that are somewhere under piles of junk in our basement.  I’m going to work on strengthening my arms and do more thigh and leg exercises.