Rowing After Nissen Fundoplication Surgery

[MJBofDCA]

I had Nissen Fundoplication surgery this summer. Does anyone have an experience with returning to rowing after this surgery? My surgery was successful, but unsure how to return to rowing.

[mict450]

Have you asked your surgeon?

[MJBofDCA]

My Utah based surgeon has no exposure to rowing.

[mitchel674]

Did the surgeon mention any other fitness restrictions? If you are cleared for activities like running, biking and situps, I would imagine that rowing would be fine. My only question would be how they feel about the increased abdominal pressure when we tighten our core with rowing. That is why I would specifically ask about and exercise like sit ups.

[highlander_bob]

I had the surgery many years ago and while rowing was part of my workout routine it wasn't to the volume I am doing now. But here is what my surgeon said to me.

Be reasonable. If you do something and it hurts, STOP. I think I started back on the erg within two weeks at light pressure, and back up to full on workout within four. May have been less. Never had any issue. I had bigger issue eating an english muffin four days after surgery. That was a mistake.

One thing that may make a difference is how the procedure was done. Mine was done laproscopically, meaning no incisions through abdominal wall. If they had to do work to move abdominal muscles, your recovery may be longer. I would echo asking your surgeon or even a PA. While they have no experience with rowing, IMHO it's kinda like leg presses plus core work.

Be slow to work up, be careful and listen to your body. Enjoy the no GIRD anymore (I am assuming that is the reason behind it. And enjoy some of the additional side benefits. I couldn't burp for 18 mos and still can not vomit. Former sucked, latter is kinda interesting.

Cheers,
Bob