Safe Weight Training After Ostomy - Seeking Advice on Exercise Restrictions!

Had permanent colostomy February 9 this year, now it has been almost 3 months and I am wanting to get back into working out.

Before my surgery, the surgeon told me there would be basically no restrictions on my activity, but now I am hearing that I can't lift more than about 15 lbs for the rest of my life or I risk a hernia! An ostomy nurse also told me that I should be careful doing sit-ups or basically anything that uses the rectus abdominis muscle. That's not cool. I'm not even sure what weight training exercises are safe for me. I would want to do squats, bench press, and chin-ups for starters. Anybody out there that has been there done that? What exercises do I need to be careful with?

Also looking at the Nu-Hope hernia belts, anyone own one of these and have any experience with being able to increase the amount you can lift by wearing a support belt?

Thanks!

The support belt does help. However (for me) it led to my stoma trying to turn itself inside out - not much, but definitely bigger than before I exercised, (I took my little finger and gently pushed it all back into shape.) I understand there is a kind of strap that you can get on the belt to prevent that - I haven't tried one of those yet.

I've had an ileostomy since March 1989, and two follow-up surgeries. My last was about 7 years ago, May 9, 2009.

Yes, the belts do help most of us. I've gotten back into sit-ups, yet at 72, I'm more comfortable with bouncing on one of Dave Hall's "Easy Bounce Cellerciser" units. Folds up easily for travel, exercises every cell in the entire body. Google it, or call 800.856.4863.

One ileostomate Ironman triathlete spoke at the United Ostomy Association of America National Conference in 2004. His biggest challenge during the Ironman was that he had to stop and find a pin to relieve the gas build-up in his bag.

The biggest thing is to begin SLOWLY, and increase SLOWLY and find a sports physician to work with you. Good luck. Bruce

Hi Bruce, I had my surgery about 18 months ago. It resulted in a permanent end colostomy. After getting over the initial shock, I began to worry about hernia. I began wearing Comfizz supports. They are virtually invisible and quite comfortable, but more importantly, they give me the confidence to play golf and not worry about herniating.
I visited my doctor a few months ago, and when he saw it, he said, "Do you have a hernia?" I said no, I wear it to prevent a hernia. He said, "Good idea." He said they do that as a matter of course in the USA.
Good luck,
Doug

I use the Nu-Hope hernia belt, the 4" one, and I really like it. About 8 months out of surgery and no problems. It seems like I'm always lifting crap. I built a pole fence 2 months after the op. Like a dumb s****, I carried a window air conditioner down a flight of stairs. Loading the trailer with 5-gallon gas cans, once in a while I will latch onto something and feel a little twinge. I do sit-ups and leg lifts every morning along with other stretching exercises. Still no problem. I don't think you can lift more with it, but it may prevent a hernia in the future. Also, one benefit I found is that the skin barrier lasts longer for me if I wear the belt. When I first started, it was a 3-day deal. Now I change it out once a week and sometimes go longer.

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

I was also told there would be no restrictions on exercising but to be sure I wore support over my stoma. After about 3 months, I started back to the routine I was used to doing before my surgery. I wore very tight spandex shape wear along with tight bike shorts. Of course, now I do have a hernia. I do wear a NuHope hernia belt all waking hours now unless my pants are tight enough across my belly not to need it. I do not do sit-ups any longer. I wish someone had urged me to wear a hernia belt from the start to possibly keep this from happening. My hernia is not big enough to need surgery, but it just sucks that I have it and cannot do any abdominal exercises.

I started going back after like 2-3 months out of surgery. I had a total colectomy, temporary ileostomy created, and a J-pouch created in one sitting. I don't know how to do restrictions, so I went back and did what I could until it hurt. I hit the punching bag, shot some baskets, and did weights. The punching bag and basketball were way too much. I was okay doing weights as long as it was mostly upper body. After 6-7 months now, I can now do half-court basketball wearing the Hollister belt and an Ostomysecrets belt I bought (basically just a spandex belt that has a little pouch to hold your bag). I have been doing more weight on my upper body. I can do sit-ups now (no leg lifts, those really hurt my stomach muscles) and also can almost jog now. Running has been really hard for me to do. I have most of my speed back (I'm 36), but the coordination is coming back slower than I thought.

My surgeon never mentioned anything about a hernia. Where is the hernia likely to happen? The stomach muscles or around the stoma or what?

Hi again, I have the Nu Hope belt. Love them. I ordered a special size and use the one that breathes for working out. I am a runner, half and full marathon and 5k. Call them, they are very helpful. I feel like and look like I'm not even wearing a wafer and pouch. Hope this helps, take care.

Hello... I am new to this site but I see that you're also in Lexington... I too am looking for others who are experiencing the same thing I am... I have had my colostomy since October of 2014 and do very well for the most part. If you're interested in "comparing notes" I'd love to communicate! Blessings - CH