Posted 1/29/2008 10:15 AM (GMT -7)
Randy--The general rule of thumb with abdominal surgery is a wait of 6 to 8 weeks before lifting more than 10 lbs. The surgery requires an incision thru skin, fat, muscle layers and peritoneum.
Recovery is usually rapid--the peritoneum, skin and fatty layer heal within days. Muscle takes the strain of intra-abdominal pressure and requires healing in two stages: (1) A thickened inflexible scar forms with nerve endings (2) Scar tissue becomes flexible and adapts to movement.
Healing must be allowed to occur to prevent weakness in the scar line and potential for rupture or herniation of the abdomen thru the weakened muscles. Exercise can begin at about 6 weeks and gradually build up to full use of the muscles.