When the appendix becomes infected and causes severe discomfort, an appendectomy is often the only option for treatment. It’s vital that you get plenty of sleep and take adequate rest for a while after surgery so that your body can recover.
The average time to recover is two weeks, though you should check in with your physician before getting back into a regular workout routine to be sure you aren’t increasing your risk of issues. The type of abdominal incision made during the operation—laparoscopic surgery or open surgery—will determine – When can you exercise after appendectomy.
Appendectomy Procedure
Your appendix can be removed through a surgical operation known as an appendectomy. The appendix is a tiny pouch that sits at the end of the large intestine. Appendicitis is a painful enlargement and inflammation of the appendix, and the standard treatment is an appendectomy. The surgeon will make a small incision in your lower abdomen, free the appendix from its attachments, and remove it. The average duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.
Workout After Appendectomy
For the first two to four weeks after an appendectomy, you should take it easy and avoid any activities that could cause discomfort. Overtraining is not advised at this time. In addition, you should not lift anything too heavy for a while following your appendectomy.
Remember that you may experience pain, and you will also feel exhausted for at least a week after surgery. As a beginning form of exercise, try going for a short walk several times a day; this will not only improve your cardiovascular health but also reduce the risk of getting blood clots.
When you can resume exercising after getting your appendix removed is something your doctor will have to decide. If you have any concerns about your health, you should talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. Keep in mind that starting too soon might be dangerous, and adequate rest helps tissue repair. When you do decide to start exercising, ease into it by doing something as simple as walking, then build up to more strenuous exercises as your body adapts.
Post-op Outlook
In most cases, appendicitis patients who have their appendix removed will make a full recovery. At some point, you’ll feel better enough to eat normally again. To fight off an illness, antibiotics are a common treatment plan. Just because you feel better doesn’t mean you can stop taking your medication. It normally takes between four and six weeks to completely heal.
Prevent These Complications
It’s important to keep the wound dry and clean to prevent infection. Wash your hands well before touching the incision and change the dressing as indicated. If you are unsure about whether or not you should take a shower, bath, or soak, consult your doctor. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact your doctor right once. Fever, chills, swelling, increased discomfort, and excessive bleeding at the incision area, as well as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and increased abdominal pain, are all possible complications.
What to Eat After Appendectomy
According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, an experienced general surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, is the most prevalent illness of the abdomen that necessitates emergency surgery. Since the appendix is not crucial to digestion, you might not have to make any substantial dietary adjustments once it is removed. But there may be things to avoid following appendix surgery to reduce discomfort and make digestion easier. During your appendicitis recuperation, you should discuss your dietary needs with your doctor.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding what kinds of foods to eat and avoid following an appendectomy.
A Diet For Appendectomy Recovery
Your doctor may give you a sip or two of water as soon as you wake up from anesthesia, but you shouldn’t drink anything until you completely recover from the anesthesia. When you’re ready to eat, it could help to begin with something light and simple, like soup or yogurt. Your doctor may recommend a liquid diet consisting of liquids and meals that change to fluid at room temperature after abdominal surgery if you are having trouble digesting solid food. Fruit juice, soups, broth, and shakes are all possible options for a liquid diet.
If you are following the liquid diet, you are not permitted to consume any solid food. This includes fruits and vegetables that have been cut into whole pieces, as well as meats, eggs, poultry, fish, bread, cold cereal, beans, pasta, rice, nuts and seeds, and any other item that must be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed. After your operation, you won’t be able to start eating ordinary meals until your surgeon gives you the all-clear to do so.
Avoid Meals High in Fat
Dr. Valeria Simone, MD recommends starting with bland, low-fat meals such as mashed potatoes, plain spaghetti, plain crackers, rice, cottage cheese, and bananas immediately after an appendectomy. Dr. Simone warns against eating anything too rich or greasy in the days following surgery, as it might lead to stomach problems. However, this isn’t true for everyone, and many people may return to their regular diets shortly after appendix removal.
Eat Fiber-Rich Food
To avoid constipation after surgery, it is recommended that you consume a high-fiber diet. Seeds, beans, a wide range of fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole grain bread, and pasta are all good sources of fiber.
If you experience constipation following appendix surgery and are finding it difficult to eat, talk to your physician about your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a stool softener and suggest alternatives to foods and beverages that you can safely ingest.
A Healthy Diet Plan
How long it takes to get back on your feet after surgery for appendicitis varies. Dr. Simone says there are two methods for removing an appendix: laparoscopic (performed through a small incision) and open (performed through a wider incision). You should be able to go home the day following surgery, and after 14 days you should be able to return to full activities.
To speed up your healing process, it is recommended that you consume a diet high in protein, zinc, and vitamin C, which may include foods like eggs and peppers. The average adult needs between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day, which can be met by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Appointment
For more information on “When Can I Exercise After Appendectomy?” or consultation with Dr. Valeria Simone MD. You can contact our healthcare expert today at +1(817) 748-0200.