How To Gain Abdominal Muscle After A Radical Hysterectomy

How to Gain Abdominal Muscle After a Radical Hysterectomy

Sep 8, 2011 | By Sharin Griffin

A "radical hysterectomy" refers to the surgical removal of your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. Also called an "abdominal hysterectomy," this form of surgery causes immediate menopause and can contribute to weight gain and loss of abdominal muscle due to several factors, such as lack of activity during recovery and decreased estrogen production. To increase abdominal muscle post-hysterectomy, you must gain your doctor's permission to ensure you are well enough to make the necessary dietary and physical activity changes.

Step 1

Perform abdominal crunches by lying on your back with your arms at your sides, palms on the floor. You can also place your hands behind your head to support your neck, if you wish. Contract your abdominal muscles and exhale as you lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Hold this position for the count of 5 and return to the starting position. Repeat for 10 repetitions, gradually increasing repetitions twice weekly.

Step 2

Lie on your back with your knees at a 90-degree angle, feet firmly on the floor. Place your arms beside your body, palms down. Exhale as you lift your hips off the floor, bringing then parallel with your knees. Hold position for the count of 5 and slowly return to starting position as you inhale. Repeat the pelvic tilt for 10 to 15 repetitions per day.

Step 3

Eat plenty of lean proteins found in poultry, legumes and soy. Proteins are required to help your body build lean muscle fibers. According to "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook," eating protein in excess has not been proven to help you bulk up; however, protein intake is essential to rebuilding and repairing muscle loss from surgery and overexertion.

Step 4

Alternate your muscle-building routine with aerobic exercise to burn excess fat and help increase muscle formation. While resistance training and weightlifting will help build abdominal muscle, aerobic activity is required to speed up your metabolism and promote flexibility and strength in your core muscles.