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Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Recovering from stomach surgery needs careful attention. This is true for post-surgery exercise abdominal routines. The right exercises can greatly improve your recovery and lower the risk of problems.Discover 10 essential after stomach surgery exercises. This guide provides safe moves for your abdominal recovery and helps you heal faster.
Liv Hospital puts patients first, focusing on safe abdominal recovery. Adding specific exercises to your plan can help you get stronger and more confident again.
Exercises after abdominal surgery help with healing and prevent complications. This article will show you ten key exercises for safe recovery.
Exercise after abdominal surgery is not just good; it’s essential for recovery. Post-surgical exercise is key to better recovery outcomes and fewer complications.
The right exercises after stomach surgery boost circulation and lower blood clot risks. They also help with overall recovery. The advantages of post-surgical exercise touch many healing areas.
Post-surgical exercise boosts recovery by improving circulation, muscle strength, and lung function. Key benefits include:
Adding these exercises to your recovery plan can greatly improve your outcomes.
Post-surgical exercise is also vital in reducing post-surgical complications. Regular exercise can prevent issues like:
Understanding the role of post-surgical exercise helps patients actively improve their recovery. This reduces risks and boosts healing.
In the first 48 hours, focus on gentle movements to keep blood flowing and prevent problems. Simple exercises like ankle pumps and deep breathing are okay soon after surgery. They help lower the risk of blood clots and boost lung health.
In the first week, you can start doing more. Gentle walking is a good start. It helps improve blood flow and strengthens your belly muscles. Start with short walks and increase the distance as you get stronger.
After two to six weeks, you can do more progressive exercises. This includes exercises for your core, like pelvic tilts and modified planks. Always listen to your body and don’t overdo it, as too much can cause problems.
Understanding when to start exercising after stomach surgery is important for a safe recovery. Always talk to your healthcare team to find the best exercise plan for you.
Before starting your exercise routine after stomach surgery, it’s key to follow safety guidelines. A safe and effective recovery is important. Following these guidelines can greatly impact your recovery.
It’s vital to consult with your surgical team before starting any exercise. They can give advice based on your surgery, health, and recovery. This helps you know which exercises are safe and good for you.
Your surgical team can also talk about risks and how to avoid them. They might suggest specific exercises or changes for you. This ensures you get the most benefits while staying safe.
Knowing when to stop exercising is important. Look out for these warning signs:
Spotting these signs early can help avoid problems. If you see any, stop exercising and talk to your doctor right away.
Different surgeries need different exercise plans. For example, hernia repair patients should avoid certain movements. It’s important to adapt exercises to your specific surgery to avoid complications.
| Surgery Type | Exercise Considerations | Recommended Exercises |
| Hernia Repair | Avoid heavy lifting and bending | Gentle stretching, diaphragmatic breathing |
| General Abdominal Surgery | Minimize strain on abdominal muscles | Leg slides, ankle pumps, gentle walking |
| Umbilical Hernia Repair | Avoid direct pressure on the abdomen | Supported knee rolls, pelvic tilts |
By following these safety guidelines, you can have a safe and effective recovery. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine after stomach surgery.
Diaphragmatic breathing is a key exercise for lung health and abdominal recovery. It’s vital for those who have had stomach surgery. It boosts lung capacity and lowers the chance of complications after surgery.
To do diaphragmatic breathing, lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Breathe in deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise as your diaphragm goes down. Your chest should not move.
Exhale slowly through your mouth, letting your belly fall as your diaphragm goes up.
Key points to focus on: Keep your chest steady, breathe deeply into your belly, and exhale slowly.
Diaphragmatic breathing has many benefits for the abdomen. It boosts lung function, lowering the risk of breathing problems. It also helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, which is key for healing.
The relaxation response from deep breathing can help manage pain and discomfort after surgery.
As you get better at diaphragmatic breathing, try it in different positions like sitting or standing. You can also make the breathing sessions longer and more frequent. Always listen to your body and only move forward when it feels right.
Ankle pumps and leg slides are simple yet effective exercises that enhance circulation after abdominal surgery. These movements are key in the early stages of recovery. They help prevent complications and promote healing.
To do ankle pumps, lie on your back with your legs straight. Slowly pump your ankles up and down, contracting the muscles in your lower legs. Do this 10-15 times, then rest. Leg slides involve slowly sliding your heel away from your body while keeping your knee straight, and then returning it to the starting position. Do 10 repetitions on each leg.
Ankle pumps and leg slides are great for preventing blood clots by improving venous circulation. When you’re immobile after surgery, blood can pool in your legs, increasing the risk of clot formation. By contracting and relaxing your leg muscles, you help push blood upwards towards the heart, reducing this risk. Regular performance of these exercises can significantly lower the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a common post-surgical complication.
As you recover, it’s essential to gradually increase the intensity of your ankle pumps and leg slides. Start by adding more repetitions or performing the exercises more frequently throughout the day. You can also try performing these movements with a slight resistance, such as using a resistance band around your ankles. Listen to your body and only increase intensity when you feel you can do so comfortably, without exacerbating any discomfort or pain.
By incorporating ankle pumps and leg slides into your post-surgical recovery routine, you can significantly enhance your circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and support your overall recovery process.
Adding a gentle walking program to your routine after surgery can really help. It boosts blood flow, lowers clot risks, and boosts your health after stomach surgery.
Start with short walks, about 5-10 minutes, in your home or hospital room. This step is key to slowly getting more active without stressing your stomach muscles too much.
Pay attention to how your body feels while walking. If you notice any pain or discomfort, stop and rest. The goal is to move forward slowly and safely.
Make a plan to increase your walk time by 2-3 minutes every few days. This lets your body get used to the new demands.
| Week | Walking Duration (minutes) | Frequency (times per day) |
| 1 | 5-10 | 2-3 |
| 2 | 10-15 | 3-4 |
| 3 | 15-20 | 4 |
Keep an eye on how hard you’re working while walking. Use the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, from 6 to 20. Aim for a level of 12-14, where you’re working hard but can talk.
“The key to a successful recovery is not to rush the process. Gradual progression in your walking program will help prevent complications and ensure a smoother, more effective recovery.”
– Expert in Post-Surgical Care
By sticking to a gentle walking program and watching your effort levels, you can greatly aid your recovery after stomach surgery. Always check with your doctor before changing your exercise plan.
The modified bridge exercise is great for working your core muscles after surgery. It strengthens your abdominal muscles without stressing your incision sites. This makes it perfect for the recovery period.
To do the modified bridge right and keep your incision sites safe, follow these steps:
The modified bridge is gentle on your incision sites but builds core strength well. It works your core and gluteal muscles. This improves your stability and support for your spine and pelvis.
Key benefits include:
When doing the modified bridge, avoid common mistakes that could harm your incision sites or mess up your form:
Rotational stability is key for good mobility. Supported knee rolls help achieve this after surgery. They improve rotational movement without putting too much strain on the stomach muscles.
To do supported knee rolls, lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Put a pillow or towel between your knees for support. Roll your knees to one side, then back to the start. Do the same on the other side. This gentle movement helps avoid straining your stomach muscles.
Key steps to follow:
Supported knee rolls help with both rotational stability and spinal mobility. Moving your knees from side to side keeps your spine flexible. This is great after abdominal surgery, when you might not be as mobile.
The benefits include:
When you’re ready to try unsupported knee rolls, listen to your body and your doctor. Start by removing the pillow or towel between your knees. Watch how your body reacts and adjust as needed.
| Progression Stage | Description | Indicators for Progression |
| Initial Stage | Supported knee rolls with a pillow. | Minimal discomfort, good control. |
| Intermediate Stage | Reducing support gradually. | Confidence in movement, less strain. |
| Advanced Stage | Unsupported knee rolls. | Full range of motion, no pain. |
Sit-to-stand movements are great for strengthening your lower body and improving mobility after surgery. They help you regain the strength needed for everyday activities and aid in your recovery.
To do sit-to-stand movements safely, avoid straining your incision. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and face forward. Stand up slowly, using your leg muscles, not your stomach. If needed, hold onto the chair or a stable object for support.
Key tips for safe execution:
Sit-to-stand movements help strengthen your leg muscles. These muscles are key for balance and mobility. Regular practice makes daily tasks easier and less tiring.
Benefits of strengthened lower body:
When you feel stronger and more confident, try doing sit-to-stand movements without help. Start by using less support and do more repetitions as you get stronger.
Progression tips:
Pelvic tilts are key for working the lower abs after stomach surgery. They help in a smooth recovery and strengthen the core.
To do pelvic tilts, lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Slowly tilt your pelvis upwards, tightening your lower abs, and then tilt it back down. Do this several times, breathing naturally and avoiding strain.
The goal is gentle activation. Don’t use force or jerk your pelvis, as it could harm your muscles or the incision site.
Pelvic tilts do more than just work the lower abs. They also improve your posture by strengthening your spine’s support muscles. Plus, they boost core strength, which can reduce back pain caused by weak abs.
When you get better at pelvic tilts, try harder versions. You can do more reps or use a stability ball for a better core workout.
Modified planks are key for building core strength after stomach surgery. They help strengthen the core without too much strain on the abdominal muscles. This is important during recovery.
To start with modified planks, try wall planks. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and about an arm’s length from the wall. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Slowly slide your hands down the wall as you lean forward, engaging your core muscles.
Hold this position for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this exercise several times.
Key benefits of wall planks include:
As you get better, move to modified floor positions. Start by getting into a plank position on your knees instead of your toes. This reduces the intensity on your abdominal muscles. Make sure your body is in a straight line from head to knees.
Engage your core and hold the position for a few seconds. Gradually increase the duration as your core strength improves.
Tips for advancing to modified floor planks:
It’s important to watch the pressure on your abdominal muscles during modified planks. If you feel any discomfort or pain, stop right away. Adjust your position or talk to your healthcare provider for advice.
Signs to stop the exercise:
Exercise #9: Seated Marching is key for hip mobility after stomach surgery. It’s great for those who’ve had abdominal surgery. It keeps or boosts hip mobility without stressing the stomach too much.
To do Seated Marching safely, sit up straight with feet on the floor. Lift one leg straight and march in place. Start slow and get faster as you get more comfortable. Always listen to your body and stop if it hurts.
Seated Marching is good for both hip mobility and lower body circulation. It makes blood flow better, which helps healing and prevents blood clots. Better circulation also cuts down swelling and helps recovery.
Key benefits include:
When you’re ready, move to Standing Marches. Stand with support, like a chair, and march in place. Standing Marches make your hips and legs stronger, helping your recovery more.
To start Standing Marches, make sure you’re strong and stable enough. Begin by standing with support and then make your marching more intense.
Supported arm raises are great for building upper body strength after surgery. They’re good because you can adjust them to fit your recovery and strength level. By focusing on the right form and slowly getting stronger, you can boost your upper body without risking injury.
To do supported arm raises right, sit or stand with something stable nearby, like a chair or wall. Hold your arms at your sides with your elbows a bit bent. Lift one arm up to your shoulder, keeping it straight, then lower it back down. Do the same with the other arm. Make sure not to arch your back or use your abs to lift your arms.
Key Points for Proper Form:
Supported arm raises also make your shoulders more mobile. When you lift your arms, you’re working on your shoulder’s range of motion. This can get stiff after surgery because you haven’t been moving as much. Doing this exercise regularly can help get your shoulders moving like normal again.
Tip: To make your shoulders even more mobile, try doing gentle shoulder rolls and circular motions every day.
When you’re feeling stronger, you can add resistance bands or light dumbbells to supported arm raises. This makes your upper body muscles work harder, helping you get even stronger.
| Progression Level | Resistance Method | Repetitions |
| Beginner | No resistance | 5-10 |
| Intermediate | Resistance band | 10-15 |
| Advanced | Light dumbbells | 15-20 |
A study on post-surgical rehab says that slowly increasing the challenge in your workouts is key. It helps you recover fully without risking your safety.
This method not only builds muscle strength but also improves your overall physical function.
Every stomach surgery is different, and so are the exercises needed for recovery. The type and extent of surgery determine the right exercises for each patient.
Hernia repair surgery needs special exercises to avoid stressing the repaired area. Patients should start with gentle movements that don’t strain the abdominal muscles.
A study in the Journal of Surgical Research found that “early mobilization after hernia repair surgery is key to preventing complications and promoting recovery”
“Early mobilization is key to a successful recovery after hernia repair surgery.”
– Journal of Surgical Research
Umbilical hernia recovery needs careful exercise planning to protect the repair. Start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase as comfort and pain allow.
| Exercise | Initial Phase | Progressive Phase |
| Breathing Exercises | Diaphragmatic breathing | Incentive spirometry |
| Leg Movements | Ankle pumps | Leg raises |
| Core Strengthening | Pelvic tilts | Modified planks |
General abdominal procedures, like cholecystectomy or exploratory laparotomy, need a variety of exercises for recovery. These should match the patient’s health, surgery extent, and pre-operative fitness.
Key exercises include:
Customizing exercises after stomach surgery is vital for a safe and effective recovery. Understanding the specific needs based on the surgery helps patients get the best care and outcomes.
Exercise is key for a strong recovery after stomach surgery. The exercises we talked about help with safe healing, better health, and lower risks of complications.
Adding diaphragmatic breathing, ankle pumps, and gentle walks to your routine can boost circulation and strengthen your core. It’s important to make your exercises fit your surgery and personal needs.
Staying active long-term after surgery makes a big difference. A good exercise plan can lead to better outcomes and health overall.
Keep in touch with your surgical team as you recover. Adjust your exercises based on how your body feels. With effort and patience, you can get the most out of exercise and support your recovery.
Exercising after stomach surgery boosts circulation and reduces blood clots. It also aids in recovery and lowers the risk of complications.
You can start with gentle movements like walking and deep breathing soon after surgery. Then, you can move on to more exercises as your body heals.
Always talk to your surgical team before starting any exercise. Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain. Make sure the exercises fit your surgery for a safe recovery.
Lie on your back with knees bent. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe slowly through your nose, letting your belly rise while your chest stays steady. This boosts lung function and aids in healing your belly.
Ankle pumps are about flexing and extending your feet. Leg slides involve sliding your heel away and back. Both improve blood flow and prevent clots.
Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and frequency. Make sure not to overdo it.
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes and lower back. Hold for a few seconds before lowering back down. This strengthens your core while protecting the incision.
Yes, you can exercise after hernia surgery. But, you might need to adjust the exercises based on your surgery. Always check with your surgical team for the best exercises for you.
Modify exercises to avoid straining your abdominal muscles and the surgical site. Gentle exercises like deep breathing and pelvic tilts are good options.
Pelvic tilts help engage your lower abdominal muscles and improve posture. They also reduce back pain. To do them, lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat, then tilt your pelvis up and down.
Gradually increase the intensity, frequency, or duration of your workouts. Introduce new exercises that target different muscles, with your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Supported arm raises strengthen your shoulders and upper body. Hold a light weight or resistance band and raise your arm slowly, keeping your core muscles tight. This minimizes strain on your belly.
Yes, you can do modified planks after stomach surgery. Start with wall planks and move to floor positions as you get stronger. This helps strengthen your core muscles.
Sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor. Lift one leg off the ground and march in place, keeping your core muscles tight. This improves hip mobility and circulation in your lower body.
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting that strains your abdominal muscles. Also, skip any exercises that cause pain or discomfort at the surgical site.
Keep exercising as long as your healthcare provider recommends. Regular exercise supports long-term recovery and overall health.
