Bicycle or Moped for Post-Surgery Transport and Exercise Advice

In a few weeks, I'll be sending my car back to its origin up north since the lease is ending, and I'm thinking of ways to transport around town. It's pretty small, so I could walk to all the places I'd really need, but it might be nice to have a bicycle or moped to go a little further out some days. Has anyone ridden either one 1.5-2 months post-surgery? Was it okay on your tummy?

Also, today is the day my surgeon says I'm allowed to lift >10 lbs! Any recommendations on how to gradually get back into a workout routine would be so helpful!

Hi Mia, Riding a bike or moped shouldn't be a problem, unless you are talking about really steep hills, which would put some strain on your abdominals. Same for the lifting thing. If you haven't been exercising to strengthen your abdominals, that is where you should start. Google 'abdominal exercises for ostomy' and you will find lots of information and videos to take you through gentle steps to get some strength in your abdominals. I would hold off on lifting anything heavy until then. I am six years in and still do abdominal exercises.

Terry

You will be OK whichever you choose. When I had surgery for my perforated small bowel, my physiotherapist dropped an exercise bike at the end of my bed at the 4-week stage so I could use it whenever I wanted. Just start as your surgeon told you: take it easy and build weights up slowly over the coming months. There's no rush; more people get hernias from just one sneeze or cough than from lifting anything heavy. Work on your core muscles; it's the most important thing we can do in the fight against trying to prevent hernias.

Need more information to be able to answer your question. What type of surgery and what is the reason for the surgery? I had an open surgery to remove an 18 J pouch that required a lot of digging out scar tissue that built up around the pouch and a Ken butt surgery at the same time. I ride often, and my surgeon told me to wait until next spring, which was 5-6 months after my surgery. Like I said, more information is needed, or ask the surgeon who did your operation.

Thank you, Terry! These are great tips. I've been slowly strengthening my abs by pulling myself up to get out of bed while also pushing up with my arms, so luckily they feel pretty strong, and my obliques do too. It's mainly my mid and lower tummy that are still healing, and I'm more careful about engaging these muscles. I'm liking these exercises coming up on Google, so I'll try them out 💛

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Oh wow, that's great, so bikes are okay, lol. I think I'm just more concerned about the random bumps in the road or sidewalks, but I think it'll be okay if I go slow. Maybe it'll even be good to shake things up and help the GI flow 💫 Thank you for your help!

Ah, okay, so 5-6 months is quite a while. I had part of my colon removed due to a perforation from diverticulitis, and I have a colostomy. My core area feels a bit sensitive driving over bumps, so I think it might be good to wait to ride, too. Thanks for your input!

G-Day Mia,

You could get an electric bicycle; it would get you around with not a lot of damage done.

Let us know which way you go.

Regards, IGGIE

That's what I was thinking too, Iggie! The only thing is I'm not sure where I would charge it since I live on the 3rd floor without an elevator. Hmm.

We have e-bikes and bring in the battery to recharge it, leaving the bike in the garage, so that might be an option for you.

I don't think you would have to wait as long as I did with the surgery you had. I would do a few short rides when you feel up to it and start from there, making sure not to overdo it at first and build up your stamina. My first ride after my surgery was only around 3 miles, and I was exhausted, but after several months of riding, I was able to do 20-30 mile bike rides again. Keep us posted on your progress.

G-Day Mia,

I think if you got a second battery, you could have one on charge in your apartment and one in the bike and just change over each day. You're always ready to go then.

IGGIE 🦘

Yes, a backup battery would be ideal. Just wondering if the area is safe to lock the bike up?

That's also a thought of mine too; it feels safe here. Maybe I could get a regular bike and try it out? 🚲

That's a great idea! I need to check and see if the one I found has a removable battery first. I will look into it soon!

Aww, thank you! I do feel pretty good energy-wise, and the sidewalks/roads here seem pretty flat, which is good. Three miles is great for a first ride! We have a stationary bike at the complex gym, so maybe I could try it out first and see how it feels.

This is so helpful. I didn't realize they made ones with removable batteries. Thank you!

I felt motivated to visit the gym and try out the bike. I did 3 miles with low resistance. It felt good! Thank you for motivating me 🚲

That's great!!!

Do you have a Barbie butt? If so, I wouldn't try riding a bicycle for a year or more after surgery, a motorcycle, or a scooter for at least six months. They'll put too much strain on that weak skin area and could cause a hernia from your small intestines.