Starting Gas Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

Too early. Mayo advises unrestricted physical activity after 3 months. Up to you. My suggestion would be to pay someone to mow the grass until the 3 months pass. Why risk a severe complication?

Thanks for the info on the Mayo recommendation. Yes, I'm currently paying someone. I'm wondering, though, whether it will ever be safe to pull the cord to start a traditional mower, or whether it would be wiser to buy a push-button electric that is self-propelled.

Once you are past 3 months and fully recovered using a traditional mower should be fine. Within reason. But there is also nothing wrong with making it easy for yourself.

You can train yourself to perform a kegel prior to any exertion like this. I had PT after my RARP and I was taught to kegel prior to a sneeze, cough, laugh, lift, really any exertion. You have to consciously make the effort to kegel for about two weeks. After that it becomes rote. However, I wouldn't try much exertion for 6-8 weeks while you heal. I was given the green light to start riding my bicycle after six weeks and it proved to be too early and I had to wait another 5 weeks. Everyone is different.

Kegels are for neobladder. Not for urostomy.

I've had a similar concern about doing crunches and other abdominal exercises after my cystectomy. I used to have great abs and a flat stomach. My surgeon doesn't think there's a time after which we're safe from hernias, and suggested I use a hernia belt, like weightlifters use.
Kegels are helpful if you have pelvic floor issues, regardless of whether you have a urostomy or neobladder. But I don't think they prevent hernias.

Hi @mscheib2, it sounds like you found an ostomy appliance that works with your skin issues.

Here is a short article on exercising with an ostomy, it includes a link to the Convatec Me+ program, which was designed by a physical therapist with an ostomy.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/ostomy/newsfeed-post/exercising-with-an-ostomy/
I have found that hard twisting motions, like starting a gas mower, put a lot of stress on your abdominal muscles. I'd say go with a push start mower.

From experience, 6 weeks is too early to return to unrestricted physical activities. In time you can, but listen to your body.

I'm going to ask that this get crossposted to the ostomy group, as there may be more people who can advise there.

@annedallas parastomal hernias are a perennial discussion in the Ostomy video support group. It's a great place to ask questions.

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 4pm AZ time.

Next meeting is:
Tue, Jun 2, 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm MT

Join Zoom Meeting here
https://mchealth.zoom.us/j/99659580974
Meeting ID: 996 5958 0974
Passcode: Ostomy

Everyone is free to have their thoughts. But historically the kegels are recommended for neobladder. Not for urostomy. I think it is even a risk of developing hernias and such when you put to much repeated pressure on the area around the urostomy.

@jaxfl I do kegels and I have had an ileostomy for over 20 years. I don't notice any impact on the ostomy or abdominal wall.

I think it's important to keep the pelvic floor strong, even if you don't have all your original organs.

Kegels are recommended for bowel control as well as bladder control.