Chhavi Mittal resumes workouts after abdominal surgery: ‘4 incisions and 25-30 internal stitches’

Chhavi Mittal, the 46-year-old actress, recently shared her journey of recovery after undergoing a Laproscopic Myomectomy. The procedure involved four incisions on her abdomen and 25-30 internal stitches. Initially, Chhavi admitted she was feeling restricted but emphasized the importance of being mindful without being lazy. She expressed that the real challenge lies in going slow and becoming stronger gradually.

After three weeks of her abdominal surgery, Chhavi resumed her gym routine, but with a lighter capacity. She mentioned she was only lifting a quarter of her usual weightlifting capacity, avoiding compound exercises like deadlifts and squats to minimize core involvement. Chhavi also highlighted the role of walking in preparing her body for the gym, starting it from the fourth day of her surgery and gradually increasing her distance.

Consultant gynaecologist Dr. Gandhali Deourukhkar from Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central shed light on the complexities of minimally invasive surgery. She explained that while external wounds may heal quickly, deeper tissues require more time to recover. She stressed the importance of a gradual return to strength training, only after consulting with the treating gynaecologist. Dr. Deourukhkar also cautioned against relying on pain as an indicator of readiness, as it may not always reflect the true state of healing.

Obstetrician Dr. Kusum Lata from Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon, echoed similar sentiments, advising patients to avoid heavy lifting, squats, deadlifts, and other exercises that strain the abdominal muscles during the early recovery period. Dr. Deourukhkar also highlighted that recovery doesn't necessarily mean bed rest but encourages gentle movement and walking to maintain circulation and reduce stiffness.

She emphasized that the key is to rebuild the body's strength gradually, avoiding overexertion during the recovery phase.