General Exercise Tips After Stoma Surgery

Exercise is an important part of your recovery from stoma surgery. Explore general tips for staying active. 

Learn about exercise after stoma surgery.

Your stoma should not prevent you from exercising or being as physically active as you were before your operation. Remember, even light exercise is good for your heart, joints, muscles, lungs, and your general sense of well-being.

Talk to your doctor or stoma care nurse before starting any exercise program, especially if you were not active before your operation or have other medical conditions. Be sure to mention any contact sports or heavy lifting you are planning to do.

Benefits of exercise after stoma surgery

Exercise can help prevent illness. Regular exercise lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke, and helps you reduce and control other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, and diabetes. Exercise can also reduce stress while helping you become stronger and more flexible. Your joints and muscles will feel better too.

After stoma surgery, many people are inspired to achieve exercise or physical fitness goals that they would never have considered before. The change in lifestyle that follows a life-altering operation can often bring out hidden strengths.

General exercise hints and tips

It’s important to start an exercise routine slowly. Don’t overdo it. If something feels uncomfortable, stop. 

Some additional tips:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
• Make physical activity a habit by doing it regularly
• Try to exercise at the same time each day so it becomes a part of your healthy lifestyle 
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after each exercise session