A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman's uterus is removed. In some cases, your cervix and ovaries must be removed as well. A hysterectomy is usually performed through an incision in either the vagina or the abdomen. An abdominal hysterectomy is a more invasive surgery that requires cutting through abdominal muscles. Check with your surgeon to know when it is okay to start stomach toning exercises.
Reasons for Surgery
Your doctor may decide to order a hysterectomy for a variety of reasons. You may have tumors or cancer in your uterus, cervical or ovarian cancer, severe endometriosis, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain or long-term vaginal bleeding that can't be stopped. Whatever the reason, your stomach muscles will be tender and weakened when the surgery is finished.
Pelvic Tilt Exercise
The pelvic tilt gently contracts your abdominal muscles to tone and strengthen them after surgery. Lie on your back and place both hands on your stomach or one on your stomach and one under your lower back. Tighten your abdominals and your buttocks gently to pull your low back into the floor. Rolls your hip bones backward, hold for five seconds and then relax and repeat. If your doctor gives approval, do the exercise 10 times each day.
Head Sit-Up Exercise
The head sit-up is another gentle postsurgery toning exercise. Lie on your back with your arms crossed over your stomach. Pull your ab muscles together with your hands. Take a deep breath and exhale as you lift your chin to your chest. Hold your chin up for three to five seconds and then relax.
The Stomach Strengthener
The stomach strengthener takes place from a kneeling position. Get on your hands and knees on the floor or kneel on a pillow and place your arms on a chair. Breathe deeply and without moving any part of your body, tighten your abs as you exhale slowly. Hold the contraction for five seconds and repeat.
Considerations
After an abdominal hysterectomy, it may take your body between four and six weeks to fully recover. If your ovaries are removed in the surgery and you have not reached menopause yet, the surgery will induce it. Do not lift anything after surgery until your doctor says it is okay, and use a heating pad on your stomach muscles
