Post-Ostomy Surgery: Dos and Don’ts of Exercise

Exercising after ostomy surgery is about patience and doing what feels right. It’s important to take your time and know your limits. When you begin working out again, you may run into some challenges or limitations. Be patient and don’t give up. Before long, nothing will stand in your way.

Optimal Ostomy Exercises
After ostomy surgery, many people may find these activities to be easier than others. But before starting any new exercise, talk to you doctor to make sure you're ready.
Core muscle conditioning

People who have an ostomy are at greater risk for having weakened core due to years of digestive or bladder issues, coupled with surgery. Building back core stability and flexibility is important, as it makes exercises and routine activities easier. Here are a few basic exercises to get started:

- Hip Extensions

- Upper Body Extensions

- Arm/Leg Extensions

- Pelvic Tilt

- Bridging
Swimming
Swimming is great exercise. It works your whole body without putting strain or pressure on your stoma. Most ostomy pouching systems are water resistant, even for swimming. First, ensure that your pouching system is securely in place. Then, cover the vent on your deodorizing filter with a filter cover to prevent water from entering the pouch. Click here for more tips for swimming with an ostomy.
Walking
Get your steps in. Walking is a simple and energizing way to exercise. When walking, you can build up fitness at your own pace. Walking can also reduce stress and constipation.
Reminder!
Choose an activity you enjoy. Running, jogging, swimming, climbing, skiing; when it comes to working out with an ostomy, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit the way you want to.

"I don’t really think of myself as someone with an ostomy, I’m just an athlete."

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Ted

Ironman and Spartan Race competitor living with an ostomy since 2012

Time to Gear Up

One-piece products are simple, easy-to-use ostomy systems that combine the skin barrier and pouch into one unit. These lightweight and flexible products are great for exercising, as they can be easily replaced and drained.

Also consider SUR-FIT Natura® two-piece systems. SUR-FIT Moldable skin barriers are available with an acrylic tape collar, which is great for managing moisture—either from perspiration or water sports. This skin barrier can be combined with a Natura®+ closed-end or mini pouch—the perfect combination for swimming and water sports.

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Products to Make a Splash

Ostomysecrets® offers a line of swim apparel that features an inside pocket to conceal and secure your pouch. These comfortable shorts, wraps, bottoms and trunks give you freedom and confidence while enjoying the beach, pool, lake or boat.

"The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen."

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The me+™ recovery series may be right for you.

The me+™ recovery series, provides information and support about the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery.

Too many people are worried about harming themselves by doing physical activity, when in fact there are so many benefits to being active. To address this, we developed the me+ recovery series which is based-on gentle movements - guiding users through their recovery after ostomy surgery and beyond.

Setting goals after ostomy surgery

In the weeks, months, and even years following ostomy surgery, you may find that your recovery timeline may not move as fast as you had hoped. For some, getting back into the swing of things can move more quickly than for others. Everyone’s ostomy journey is unique.

For Linda Pasto, living with an ostomy since 2008, she had always dreamed of completing a 5K race at Disney World. Nine years post-surgery, she finally got the courage to sign up to run the Disney Princess 5K in February 2017 with her granddaughter, Savana.

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“To be able to complete this race with my granddaughter, Savanna, was a dream come true. I never thought I would be able to enjoy my grandkids when I was sick.”

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Linda Pasto, RN

Here are a few tips for setting goals for resuming physical activity post-surgery:

Start slowly and go at your own pace.
Maybe your first goal is simply running a favored errand on your own.
If you exercise, your abdominal muscles will need some time to heal from your surgery.

Your healthcare professional can tell you when and how to start exercising again.
Choose an activity you enjoy
and that fits into your schedule at least three times a week, for a minimum of 30-60 minutes per session.
For the best experience, empty your pouch before you are active.
Also, ensure your wafer has been on for at least an hour prior to getting wet or beginning any activity that will cause you to perspire.
Celebrate your accomplishments
no matter how big or small.

Do you have other questions about resuming activity post-surgery? Call the me+ team today at 1-800-422-8811 or send them an email, cic@convatec.com.

You don’t have to figure it out alone, sign up to me+™ today

Optimal Ostomy Exercises

Core muscle conditioning

Swimming

Walking

Reminder!

Products to Make a Splash

The me+™ recovery series may be right for you.

Setting goals after ostomy surgery

Here are a few tips for setting goals for resuming physical activity post-surgery:

Start slowly and go at your own pace.

If you exercise, your abdominal muscles will need some time to heal from your surgery.

Choose an activity you enjoy

For the best experience, empty your pouch before you are active.

Celebrate your accomplishments