Logo, Not once did I say, or even imply, that kegels are "the only way to gain continence." (your words).
In fact, that's a bit contrary to what I said. My point was that the reason some men regain continence quickly and completely while others struggle remains a mystery to me--a mystery that I hope medicine will solve and enable all men to throw away their pads forever. I've never done much in the way of kegels, and certainly not after the first week or two following surgery. So, why am I one of the lucky ones?
There may be some validity to what you said about a strong core, though I'll wager we have guys on the forum who were every bit as fit as you pre-surgery and today are struggling with continence.
I was in respectable shape, but certainly not in the shape you say you were, yet I quickly regained complete continence? Why? Was it simply luck? Is there something in the anatomical structure in the bladder neck area? Did my surgeon do a better job on me than others have done? Persistent incontinence is such a demoralizing problem that surgeons need to find a way to eliminate the problem. I hope that's possible.
I never scoffed at exercise, and I don't think Mikey72 did either. Being physically fit is a good thing. But the muscles and the nerves, and the sphincters that control urine flow are very specific, and unless everything is in good order there, all the exercise in the world won't fix the problem.