Your appendix, which helps you to fight infection as part of your immune system during the first few years of your life and then slowly stops functioning over time, often requires removal because of inflammation and infection. Having an appendectomy doesn't mean permanent changes in your exercise routine or abilities. However, you will need to curtail your exercise and other physical activities immediately after your appendectomy to give yourself time to heal.
Appendectomy Types
Your surgeon may choose to remove your appendix in what's called an open appendectomy or in a procedure called a laparoscopic appendectomy, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. An open appendectomy involves using surgical instruments to cut open your abdomen and remove the appendix, while in a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon will use surgical instruments inserted via several very small incisions. If you have a laparoscopic appendectomy, you'll be able to exercise much sooner than if you have an open appendectomy.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Following a laparoscopic appendectomy, your surgeon will tell you how long to wait until beginning to exercise again. Typically, however, you'll probably need to take it easy for about one to three weeks before resuming your exercise routine, depending on the overall progress of your recovery. If you enjoy swimming, you may be able to resume swimming within two weeks after surgery. Walking and stair climbing represent good, low-impact exercises that can help you recover muscle function more quickly.
Open Appendectomy
Recovery from an open appendectomy typically takes about twice as long as recovery from a laparoscopic appendectomy -- about four to six weeks, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. Again, your physician will advise you on how quickly you can begin to exercise following your open appendectomy, but you may be able to add in some very mild exercise, such as walking, after about two weeks. Don't lift weights -- or anything else heavy, for that matter -- until your doctor tells you it's OK to do so. Instead, focus on light exercise activities such as walking or slow biking until your doctor gives you the green light to resume your normal exercise routine.
Considerations
Once your appendix is removed through surgery, you shouldn't have any ongoing complications of appendicitis, and it shouldn't affect your exercise routine after you've recovered from the surgery itself, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. However, if you do feel pain during exercise that you think might be related to your appendectomy, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
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