You can exercise as usual after having appendicitis, but you may need to wait up to 2 weeks after an appendectomy.
An appendectomy is a surgery that doctors use to remove your appendix when you have appendicitis. There are two main types of appendicitis surgery, and both require that you pause physical activity, including exercise and heavy lifting, for a few days:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy: In a laparoscopy, a surgeon will make several small cuts in your abdomen and insert a thin and flexible tube with a light and a camera so they can see the appendix and surrounding organs. They also use this tube to insert one or more instruments to remove the appendix. They may fill your abdominal area with gas to expand it and create more room. You will need to limit physical activity for 3 to 5 days after this surgery.
- Open laparotomy: A surgeon makes a larger incision (about 4 inches) in your lower abdomen, to the right of your belly button, to have ample room to remove your appendix. You will need to pause physical activity for 10 to 14 days after this type of surgery.
Because appendicitis surgery requires general anesthesia, it is important to restrict activity that requires alertness, including driving, for at least 24 hours.
Even though exercising is not recommended when recovering from appendicitis, doctors will ask you to get up and walk for a few minutes multiple times during the first 2 days after the surgery to avoid blood clots.
Walking may also help you reduce constipation, a common occurrence after surgery. You may also be able to tolerate a few flights of stairs, but you will need to move slowly and may need help.
If your job doesn’t require heavy lifting and being physically active, you may be able to return to your usual routine within a week.
Consider discussing with a healthcare professional the post-op care details after an appendectomy.