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Research shows no matter what age you are, staying active can always help you get healthier, even for just small amounts of time every day. |
Why be active to prepare for bowel surgery?
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Exercise and other physical activity are a great way to build your body and make it stronger to fight diseases and be resilient against surgical stress. It is typical that 6 months after abdominal surgery only 1 in 5 patients will regain their previous level of physical activity. It is never too late to start, or get back to, being active.
Moving more and sitting less is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of your age. Aim to be be in the best shape possible in order to speed up your recovery and look forward to a positive outcomes. |
Being active (including walking/cycling for transportation) can also improve your mood and your sleep that will in turn reduce psychological stress and anxiety as part of preparing for surgery. Starting or keeping a physical activity program can help you to gain a sense of control that can help give you confidence and create a positive mindset.
Physical activity also has the added benefit of lowering your cholesterol level and improving your blood pressure, which are important considerations for patients who have, or are at risk of, cardiovascular diseases.
Physical activity also has the added benefit of lowering your cholesterol level and improving your blood pressure, which are important considerations for patients who have, or are at risk of, cardiovascular diseases.
No matter what your age, it’s never too late to start being physically active—or to get back into being active.
—— Paul
Link between physical activity and bowel surgery
Aerobic fitness (strong heart and lungs) is generally beneficial for recovery after bowel surgery. Most research has focused on exercise after bowel surgery (rehabilitation) which has been shown to reduce surgery's side-effects and lead to better mobility and functioning. However, when patients have poor fitness from sedentary lifestyles before bowel surgery, they have a lower chance of a good recovery.[1]
Newer research (based on a few pilot trials in Ontario and Spain) suggests that aerobic exercise before abdominal surgery can lead to better recovery of physical fitness, fewer side-effects and complications, and more overall quality of life for patients.[2] One 2018 study tested exercise before surgery in patients with a specific stomach cancer and found it was safe and feasible to do.[3]
Newer research (based on a few pilot trials in Ontario and Spain) suggests that aerobic exercise before abdominal surgery can lead to better recovery of physical fitness, fewer side-effects and complications, and more overall quality of life for patients.[2] One 2018 study tested exercise before surgery in patients with a specific stomach cancer and found it was safe and feasible to do.[3]
Actions you can take to improve your physical fitness before bowel surgery
The activity that is appropriate for you will depend on your current fitness level and physical abilities. Some broad suggestions are:
The activity that is appropriate for you will depend on your current fitness level and physical abilities. Some broad suggestions are:
- Check with your physician if you have physical limitations, poor mobility and/or an unstable heart or lung condition.
- Start daily walking (goal is 2 to 3 times per day) if you are not active now and are able to move.
With damaged lungs, 'hardcore' aerobics, i.e. running, was impossible.
Walking 30 minutes a day though was not only possible but also helped to relieve some stress.
—— Kim P.
- If you are already exercise or participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities, then continue with your activities. Make sure to meet recommended level of exercise.
- Guidelines recommend adults aged 18 – 64 years do about 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise in bouts of at least 10 minutes duration.
- It is also recommended to consume protein within 1 hour after being physically active (0.3 – 0.5 gram per kg of body weight protein)
Moderate aerobic activities are....
brisk walking, water aerobics, domestic chores like cleaning and gardening. |
Vigorous aerobic activities are....
fast cycling, swimming laps cross-country skiing and more. |
- Consider also doing activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least 2 days per week.
*Always talk to your doctor before starting a new physical activity program*
More resources to help you improve your physical fitness before colorectal surgery:
Resources specific to cancer patients:
- Can Exercise help before surgery?
- Physical Activity Services at HealthLink BC
- Physical activity for Healthy Aging
- Canadian physical activity Guidelines
- ParticipACTION for Canadians
Resources specific to cancer patients:
If you would like to have active support to help you achieve your physical activity goals, you can email us for more information and support.
If you would like to have active support to help you establish your be active action plan, you can email us to sign up with our Registered Health Coach™ for enhanced support.
This website is for people who have planned abdominal surgery for conditions like colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, Polyps or other digestive / gastro-intestinal diseases.