exercise after exchange surgery

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Debwa100
Debwa100 Member Posts: 59
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

Hey everyone, I had my exchange surgery November 1st.  I remember the doc saying no exercise for a week.  I am back to work and my job is physically demanding (I am a physical therapist). I was just wondering how soon you guys started exercising after exchange surgery.  I am sick of my post BC body!

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  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 3,353
    edited November 2010

    Hi Debby,

    Wow.  This varies.  I was told no exercise for 2 weeks.  My PS didn't want my heart rate to go up.  I didn't understand why until I went for a walk because I was going crazy.  The new foobs aren't settled in the pocket yet and that movement HURT!!  If you are at risk for lymphedema (node removal, rads, etc,.) that can put a limit on it too.  At six weeks my PS told me that I could do anything I want IF it DIDN'T hurt.  So, pain has been my guide.  If it hurts, I don't do it. 

    Hope this helps.  And I hear you about the post-bc body.  :(

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  • don23
    don23 Member Posts: 512
    edited November 2010

    I was told not to work out for 6-8 weeks after my exchange. Definitely no lifting above my head and stretching my arms out.

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  • whitedove
    whitedove Member Posts: 292
    edited November 2010

    I was told not to work out until after the 6 week check up. Was put on very strict no lifting/ pulling/ pushing/ overuse (like doing dishes).  Main warning was for implant displacement.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2010

    Wow,

    I wasn't told anything and I went for a 45 minute walk the day after my surgery on Nov 9th!  Then at the one week appointment I was told no lifting or tub baths for 6 weeks.   No one ever warned me about implant displacement.  I'm doing mostly anything I want to except heavy lifting.  Hope I haven't damaged anything.  

    Nancy

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  • whitedove
    whitedove Member Posts: 292
    edited November 2010

    Nbb - I hear that from many others as well. It's interesting to see how widely opinions of PSs vary! I learned about the importance of encapsulation of the implants by a good  bra from the BCO thread: Bras 101. I was told nothing of importance by the PS.  In my opinion, the PSs don't seem to have a consensus on many things, among them: exercise/ type of exercise/ bras/ scar treatments. I emailed a prominent BC surgeon about these issues and he himself said that there were no true guidelines for bras. That makes me conclude there are few guidelines for other subjects as well - like exercise.

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  • Debwa100
    Debwa100 Member Posts: 59
    edited November 2010

    Thanks everyone, I was told I shouldn't get my heart rate up for no longer than 15 minutes 2x/day. nn I was also told it had to do with implant encapsulation.  as far as bra's go.  I am wearing a regular Victoria Secret Bra now (no padding, but it does have an underwire, so hard to find a bra without an underwire, but no stitches there so its comfortable).  I was told I didn't need to wear the sports bra anymore.  I used to be so fit.  I can't stand watching my body turn into flab.  It's bad enough losing you boobs, but your muscle tone too!  Sorry, just blowing steam.  lol

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  • hwalter
    hwalter Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2010

    Hi,

    Interesting topic as I am also a physical therapist and hope to rtw a month after exchange surgery.  I work with special needs kids at school and often have to lift a lot.  I am 6 wks and 2 days post bilateral mastectomy and I played pretty aggressive tennis today.  I feel well and hope that a few wks after exchange I will be back on the court.  My plastic surgeon gives me the idea it wont take long,  I will have to talk with him again about this.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited December 2010

    check out the 'Lets Post our Daily Exercise' thread. We have a several people who have had exchange surgeries & could give you some good tips.

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  • CrazyKitties
    CrazyKitties Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Great, now I am really scared! I had my te's out in Sept., silicone implants put in, and both breasts still feel like something is crawling around in there! I will call my ps...thanks for your stories about exercise, it helps me see what others are doing.

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