In this episode of The Tummy Team Journey Podcast, Kelly Dean welcomes Suzanne, a 72-year-old retired teacher and swimmer, who shares her powerful and emotional story of healing after emergency abdominal surgery.

An Unexpected Crisis

Just months after turning 70, Suzanne—previously healthy and active—was rushed into surgery for a life-threatening twisted colon. Though the surgery saved her life, it left her physically depleted, emotionally shaken, and with a long road to recovery. “I went from swimming laps to barely walking to the bottom of the driveway,” she recalls.

The Missing Link: Abdominal Rehab

Post-surgery care focused only on basic mobility, ignoring the trauma to her core. As her healing stalled and she noticed tenting and weakness in her abdomen, Suzanne began searching for answers. After many dead ends, she connected with Kelly through a referral from Fit2B. “It was a relief to find someone who understood both the body and the emotional weight of my journey.”

Returning to the Pool — and to Herself

A lifelong swimmer, Suzanne longed to return to the water but was told by other professionals that it wasn’t safe. Kelly—also a competitive swimmer—helped her re-enter the pool safely and use swimming as part of her core rehab. “That gave me hope I didn’t even know I’d lost.”

Healing Through Education and Connection

Through one-on-one virtual sessions, Suzanne gained a deep understanding of her core anatomy, learned how to assess and engage her muscles, and discovered how trauma, posture, and breath all impact recovery. She now integrates core awareness into daily life, continues to swim, and is a proud member of The Tummy Team’s online program.

Key Takeaways:

• Core Rehab Is Essential After Abdominal Surgery – It’s more than walking again; it’s rebuilding what was cut and traumatized.

• You’re Never Too Old or Too Weak to Heal – With guidance and consistency, healing is possible at any stage.

• Swimming Can Be Therapy – The right movement, when supported properly, becomes medicine.

• Self-Education Is Empowering – Knowing your anatomy helps you advocate for better care.

• Invest in Healing – True recovery often lives outside the constraints of insurance coverage.

Whether you’ve experienced surgery, a traumatic health event, or are just trying to return to your active self, Suzanne’s story is a reminder that healing is possible — and you don’t have to do it alone.