Stretching after laparoscopy? Tightness

[Annieha]

Hiya

So its bren 4 wreks since my laparoscopy and i feel absolutely fine! I feel like i recovered quickly and well. I was walking within the 1st week. However i decided i would start a light stretching this week to ease myself into exercising. But when i try to stretch (upward facing dog) or anything to do with bending a little backwards i feel a tightness in my belly button where they cut. Just wondering if anyone knows this is normal, if i have to stretch through the pain in order to be able yo do it normally again or if i should be waiting a little longer to stretch as it means im not fully healed maybe?

[EllieR1992]

Hi, I’m not an expert (medical or excercise related) so probably best to get proper advice buttt ive had 2 laperoscopies and I also recovered well after both, but I would say 4 weeks is too soon to be trying yoga. Definitely do not push through pain to keep stretching!!! Best advice I was given before surgery was don’t be a hero afterwards, I’m a busy and active person but it’s so easy to overdo it when you’re body is recovering and you can leave yourself with minor but lasting issues that will affect your excercise. I wouldn’t personally do more than walking for the first 6-8 weeks and then VERY gently reintroduce stretching. I was more active in the first few weeks of recovery after my second lap and that was just walking around the house really. Its easy to overlook how much our core muscles do just day to day, getting up and down etc. Again, not a professional but I’d say you may be risking lasting damage if youre trying to stretch through pain that soon after. Good luck!