Lifting Weights After Hernia Surgery—When Is It Safe?
Hernias can affect a wide range of people across all age groups, from newborn children to healthy young adults and even older people. Robotic hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair are the most preferred minimally invasive surgeries compared to open hernia surgery because they help patients recover faster.
Most people who focus on their health are in the habit of regular exercise. When they realize they have a hernia, they may be demoralized psychologically. They always imagine that repairing a hernia surgically means they would have to stay in bed and rest. And most people also believe that they may no longer be able to go back to the gym and do those exercises. Are you one of those patients who are troubled by this question, ‘When can I exercise after hernia surgery?’
Essentially, the time depends on your hernia type, your overall health, and how fast you are healing. This guided blog by Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best hernia surgeons in Hyderabad, explains the expected recovery period post-surgery, the suitable types of physical exercises for each stage, and the ways to avoid setbacks or complications in the recovery process.
Why do rest and recovery play a key role following a hernia surgery?
A hernia is a condition in which a tissue or an organ protrudes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Nowadays, minimally invasive procedures are very effective, involving smaller cuts, fewer complications, and faster recovery. While top incisions may heal quickly, the deep muscles inside need a few more weeks to heal and become strong again. In the case of some hernia repair procedures, a mesh is placed internally to give extra support to that weak spot.
Getting back immediately into heavy lifting or active sports increases the risk of damaging the repair or displacing the mesh. So, sticking to the doctor’s advice on getting back to normal activities gradually, step by step, is the best way to recover safely and healthily. Recovery can be compared to rebuilding a foundation, which is slow, consistent, and strong.
Recovery Timeline—Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
The healing speed is not the same for everyone who undergoes hernia surgery; however, the surgeons typically recommend a standard recovery schedule after surgery to ensure a safe return to regular activities.
First 24 to 48 hours—The only activities allowed are rest and short walks.
First week—You’re allowed to take short walks and do light daily activities. Don’t lift anything heavier than 3 to 4 kgs.
Weeks 2 to 3—You generally feel more energetic by this time. Light household chores and short-distance walks are generally safe during this period. However, you are not allowed to go to the gym.
Weeks 4 to 6—In most of the cases, patients will be ready for light workout sessions, such as stationary cycling, swimming, and light bodyweight exercises (if they do not cause pain).
After 6 weeks—if the doctor approves, you are fit—you can gradually start lifting weights again. Begin with moderate exercises and concentrate on technique and breathing.
After 8 to 12 weeks—In most of the cases, patients will be ready to resume their exercise regimen, including lifting weights. However, heavy lifting will take some time.
After 12 weeks, assuming that everything went smoothly and there was no pain or any other complication, you can do most of the exercises safely. Furthermore, follow appropriate breathing techniques to prevent too much pressure on the abdomen.
What happens if I lift weights too soon?
The biggest mistake that patients often make is being eager to get back into heavy exercises. Returning to regular heavy exercises without proper healing can result in:
- You may experience pain and swelling, as the muscles are not ready to be strained.
- The risk of hernia recurrence will be high because the area of repair is still healing and weak.
- In some cases, mesh is placed to provide extra stability in the weak area, and it might get displaced, which might require another operation.
- Overstraining can irritate nerves and may lead to chronic pain and long-lasting discomfort.
There was a patient who came back with complications two weeks after surgery. He said that he felt so good that he went to the gym and started his regular exercise regimen. Within a few days, he felt pain and saw swelling around the incision. He rushed to the doctor, and upon examination, the doctor said that he was in danger of undoing the repair.
The takeaway: feeling great outside is not always a sign of complete healing, it takes some time to heal inside.
Safe exercises in the early weeks
Walking is the best form of exercise during the first few weeks. It promotes blood circulation, lowers the risk of blood clots, and helps to avoid constipation. Other safe movements in the early days are light stretching (without putting the operated area under strain), deep breathing exercises, and light movement exercises for the arm and leg. Remember not to do crunches, push-ups, planks, or anything that puts pressure on the belly.
When can I return to cardio?
Around the 2nd or 3rd week post-surgery, you may start doing light cardio. Safe choices include going for a walk outside or using a treadmill, stationary cycling, and swimming (only if the wounds have completely healed, and your doctor should confirm it). High-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, or contact sports need to be postponed at least 6–8 weeks, depending on your condition.
Factors that affect recovery speed
It is a fact that every patient doesn’t heal at the same pace. Your recovery depends on:
- Age-wise, young people tend to recover quickly.
- If you are a smoker, diabetic, or suffering from any other chronic illness, then it may take even more time to recover.
- The bigger the hernia, the longer the healing takes.
- Surgical complications like infection or pain might prolong your healing process.
- Those who are physically active and in good shape typically can return to their routines quickly.
Though you return to your regular exercise routine, be mindful of warning signs like swelling or bulging at the surgery site, sharp pain that becomes worse over time, redness or leakage of fluid or pus from incisions, or fever and nausea. If you observe any of these symptoms, stop the exercise routine and consult the doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate complications and require doctors’ attention. For more detailed information about hernia surgery, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the topmost hernia specialists in Hyderabad.
