Getting in better shape before proctocolectomy surgery?

I'm having my colon removed to reduce my cancer risk. Still in the process of selecting surgeon and getting scheduled so I'm not expecting it to happen for a month or two at best. It seems to me that I ought to be using this time to get in better shape in hopes of making my recovery a bit smoother.

I'm 57 and moderately overweight. I've been consistently walking 10,000 steps a day for the last year (using FitBit), but it's been years since I've done strength or aerobic training. I don't intend to do any big crash diet, but I should be able to drop some pounds by cutting out the things I shouldn't be eating anyway. That should help with my blood pressure (which occasionally flirts with being borderline high).

As far as getting in better shape, what would be most helpful? Core strength? Cardio? What have other folks done to prepare themselves physically for surgery?

I was so darn sick going into surgery, the last thing on my mind was getting fit. However, cutting carbs and doing low impact exercises should help you. Good luck!

Being in better shape will help you recover faster. I do not know how much you can accomplish in two month but am a firm believer that every single bit helps. Check out my fitness pal and put yourself on a plan.

HMBGuy said...
Thanks all. I still don't know when my surgery will be, and I don't see my regular doctor for another week or so. But, I've begun anyway - as you've all said, any improvement seems like it ought to help. My second session with a personal trainer is today, and I've cut junk and snacks from my diet. It will be at least two or three weeks before I meet with the surgeon, and will ask about the value of going on a serious weight-loss diet and whether there are specific muscle groups I ought to focus on.

I'll report back when I know more, and thanks again!

I would not go on a serious weight loss plan, but I would start to count calories. I lost about 3 pounds a week going on 1800 a day and cutting sugars out, since they have so many calories. I do not know how big your belly is but I think it would benefit you in the long run if you could get it down to a reasonable size for the surgery.

I do not know nor will ask how much you weigh. If you are obese your chances for surgical complications go up to the point that waiting six months might be better for your overall recovery. Plus you have to think about the stoma and what you want to be weight wise in a few years. What happens if you drop a ton of weight post surgery? Will your stoma stick out a ton because it no longer has to go through 4" of belly fat?

Good things to bring up with your doctor.