Getting back in shape took time. I started feeling strong again after about three years. But I have never regained good muscle tone in my abdominal area, although it has improved.
I walk around five miles daily. Do lots of gardening in spring, summer and fall (I live in SE USA). I was 50 at time of surgery. In pretty good shape because I was always very active. In addition to walking and gardening, I do yoga streching/breathing exercise several times a week. Have tried doing specific abdominal exercises like crunches and they seem to cause me more problems than help. I suppose this should not surprise me considering the nerves and muscle that were severed in surgery.
One thing you want to watch is glucose readings. I was still losing muscle tone several months after surgery. (I had very little butt left also.) Even with increased activity I could not gain muscle tone. I thought it just went with territory of having Whipple surgery and problems it brings with weight loss. What I found was I had become diabetic and I was losing muscle because of extremely high glucose. When I got that under control, I started regaining muscle and started filling out my bluejeans again. Also I was able to maintain my weight. I have good energy now and feel good most days.
Your doctors may be different, but mine did not think to check blood sugar when I went for follow ups. Most of them were specialists. They apparently EXPECT Whipple patients to have trouble with weight and muscle tone. My gynecologist does routine urine tests and found high sugar levels. She ordered additional blood tests which lead to diagnosis and treatment. If they aren't checking you, ask them to do the simple urine test. Keeping my blood sugar under control has made all the difference for me.
Hope you continue to do well, and gain strength.
On 7/19/2008
whipplechick wrote:
I am 41yrs old, 5'7"- 120lbs, trying to get back into shape after Whipple, 10/29/07, now that I have completed Chemo and radiation treatments with clear scans and tumor markers. I am feeling and eating much better! I have been doing usual household chores and walking but need to advance. My muscle tone is poor, esp abdominal area, thighs, a what is left of my butt. Anyone out there Post Whipple, in an exercise program with a regimen?- Doing sit-ups, jogging?