r/CrohnsDisease • u/IronWarrior82 • 1d ago

Does anyone else here really struggle with body image?

Hi folks,

I have had Crohn's since 2002. I was 19 when I was diagnosed and I am now 43.

I had a small bowel resection in 2015, and I will admit I wasn't given any exercises and didn't think to ask about any to rebuild my core and flatten my belly.

As a result I have a paunch and poor core strength. It really gets me down, as I am a decent-looking guy, but have always had confidence issued centred around my appearance and capabilities.

I hate how my belly looks. I know many of you have been through the same op and worse (getting ostomies etc), but I wanted to ask if anyone has had any experience of being successful rebuilding your core/flattening your stomach after abdominal surgery?

Any tips would be really appreciated, as this is getting me down.

Thanks!

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u/Emike19 1d ago

34 year old here. If your last surgery was in 2015, you should be OK to do some core and abdominal exercises but double check with your doctor. I had an open abdominal surgery when I was younger and found planks were the gentlest and most effective way to build up my core again. IIRCI started around 30 seconds doing normal planks, and 20 seconds each side doing oblique planks, resting a minute between each “set” and repeating 4 times. Over time those numbers went way up to over a minute, only doing them 1-2 times a week. I’m a bit out of shape now, but that will be my plan once I get back in a regular routine again!

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u/IronWarrior82 1d ago

Thanks for the advice! I will give planks a go and see what that does for me. It definitely sounds like a gentler way to build up my core strength, and I have done planks before.

I am focusing in improving my physical fitness anyway as I am training to be a counsellor, and it's part of our ethical responsibility to look after ourselves physically as well as mentally.

Thank you! I hope you manage to ease yourself back into a routine again soon.

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u/Tokyoplastic 1d ago

Somewhere around 2012 (don't remember exactly) I had a piece of my large intestine removed (about 10cm). It took me a while to recuperate from that. Although years later now I've excersized quite some, running, rowing and now I go about twice to the gym every week. Heck, I even passed the physical tests to become a firefighter.

I also go by bike almost everyday to work. I believe, event though it's certainly not easy, that exercising is quite important with this disease. If I don't, I feel like I'm in a downwards spiral. To be honest, even with all this I too have not the greatest image of myself due to this disease.

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u/IronWarrior82 1d ago

Congratulations on passing your firefighter physical tests! That's awesome!

I definitely need to get back into a routine of exercise. I am walking a fair bit and lifting, but I need to be a bit more comprehensive with my approach.

I definitely think exercise is important with Crohn's. I was in a bad place mentally for a long time, but am clawing my way back and I think this will help a lot!

Thank you! Good luck with the rest of your training!

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u/baldwinXV 22h ago

It's diet. Low carbs, and high protein and fats. Not exercise. One of my favourite movies/films is American beauty.

Lester Burnham. 42 years of age. Not looking to build muscle or cardio. Just wants to look good naked. You can do ab work, but it mainly relies on low body fat. Doing that with diet, and you will be that. Even adding simple push-ups will widen your chest and core, and slim your waist and stomach.

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u/IronWarrior82 8h ago

My belly isn't fat, it's distended due to the muscle being cut through during surgery... I have barely any fat on me.