Exercise Instructions
 It
is important for you to begin an exercise program
as soon as possible after surgery. Penn surgeons
highly encourage that you walk, not only in
the first days after recovery, but that you
continue to make daily walking a part of your
routine, even in addition to other forms of
exercise. Walking is one of the most beneficial
forms of exercise and it is easy on the body.
There are some general guidelines that you should
keep in mind when beginning your routine.
- Penn surgeons encourage you to be up and
walking beginning the day of surgery.
- Walking will help you recover, but on the
other hand, you don't want to overdo it. If
you become so winded that you cannot talk, dizzy
or lightheaded, nauseous or you are experiencing
pain, you'll want to stop immediately and sit.
- If you feel lightheaded, lower your head
between your knees.
- As long as you feel good, walk as much as
you are physically able.
- You want to work towards walking 45 minutes
each day, so make a plan to work towards this
goal. If all you can do is five minutes a day,
start with that and add five minutes the next
week, five more the week after, etc.
- Break up your walking in the beginning. Go
for a five-minute walk in the morning, five
minutes in the afternoon and five minutes in
the evening. You still get the benefits of walking
for fifteen minutes. When you feel good, move
on to walking for a longer time.
- Do not begin weight training until your surgeon
approves this exercise. Remember that for at
least the first two weeks you should not lift
more than 10 pounds.
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