I am now 12 days post-op and I'm feeling great! I managed a walk around the mall two days ago and found that was about all I could do. I ran/biked/hiked everyday before surgery (endurance distance), ate very clean and prepared myself mentally. I was completely ready to take on the surgery, but more importantly, I was ready to take on recovery!! I am being slow and methodical and making sure I only do as much as I feel comfortable with. I hope to be back to running within two months, biking in.... well, that depends on how easily I can sit on the hard seat of my bike and light hiking in a couple of weeks. I started walking farther than the interior of my apartment about 6 days post-op, (3/4 of 1/4 of the block<and yes, I snuck out with the foley tucked in my sweat pants when the warden wasn't around, so I'm naughty>)
I just got home a few hours ago (three hour open Jeep ride and then i went out to restock groceries since I've been gone so long) and while I'm not counting calories or really mindful of weight gain, I noted that while I wasn't eating as clean there as I normally do (a lot more treats), I maintained my weight.
The whole point of this, is not to tell you to do as I do physically, right after surgery (everyone is different and I'm a bit cavalier<albeit careful and aware and clean bill of health from the doc>) but to tell you all to prepare BEFORE surgery. A very healthy body and mind will go really far in speeding your recovery. Then when recovery begins (when you wake up post-op), start prepping yourself. Move your toes, wiggle your fingers and shake your arms. Take meds to alleviate pain and reduce stress, but don't overdo them. When you're allowed to stand, stand. When you're allowed to walk, walk. Don't whine. Be happy. You made it!! Now be the best you that you can be!
