Workouts???

[abandster]

I am scheduled for surgery on August 12th & I am also scheduled to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. I have been ahead in training and am walking around 9 miles at a fast pace on the weekends. The 3 Day requires 20 miles a day for 3 days and for that training is essential. Will those of you who have gone through this please advise as to how long until I can REALLY start to walk again.

I would appreciate any information you can provide. Also, please note that I am in Florida and it's VERY HOT right now...

[benjigirl]

Man, its only 8 weeks at best- I was banded on june 26th, and the recovery weeks have been tough actually. First week exhausted and very sore, second week exhausted and sore, third week, tired and still very meekly entering into slow walking.

They say no strenuous activity for 6 weeks, so if you think the two weeks prior to the 3 day are enough for you to get up to scratch, then I suppose....but I reckon you're trying to pull-off a full-fitness type activity when you'll only just be getting back to normal. I personally would pass.

But you're the only one that knows you!

Get your surgeons advice big time.

[Clynn]

You may want to just hold off on the surgery until after the run. Since you'll be on liquids for a month you may find yourself getting winded easier and not as up to training. You'll certainly be out of training 1-3 weeks if you want to heal properly. Besides, why let all that exercise only fulfill one function? If you get the surgery soon after the run it will count as part of your pre-op preparation.

[abandster]

Thank you for the insight, I really appreciate it. The question is certainly on my list for Dr. O...

[mona-camille]

Everyone recovers differently. I had no problems at all and was walking like crazy 2 hours after surgery. In fact, I walked back and forth from the hotel to Dr. Ortiz's office several times. I never had any pain other than gas and the walking is definitely encouraged to counteract that anyway. Even after I came home, I was still walking several miles a day and had no worries at all. If your walk is 2 months after surgery I can't imagine why you couldn't so it. Even if you had pain, it would be gone in 2 months. As for running, obviously that is much more strenuous than plain walking but if you take it slow for the first few weeks, I see no problem. But double check with Dr. Ortiz, since running IS different than walking.

I just re-read your post; is this an ALL walking event? If so, there is no reason at all you can't do it. Walking after surgery is VERY encouraged and can only do you good. Walking is not considered strenuous as running is. I was thinking it was a running event. And 2 months out you won't be on strictly fluids anymore so why not? Just stay hydrated.

Also, I tend to think the more fit you are ahead of surgery the faster you will recover. I am thinking that is why I had such an easy time of it because I have always been a huge walker. But, like I said, we all heal and recover differently.

[abandster]

This is a WALKING event 20 miles a day for 3 days - 60 miles total... I am still going through with the surgery and am VERY excited to change my life FOREVER. If I can't do the whole walk then I will do what I can, but the surgery is the priority at this point in my life.

Thanks again for the info!