Post-Operative instructions

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Get plenty of rest for the first 24 hours. No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for two (2) weeks. Take all medication as directed. Start with clear liquids to prevent nausea, then advance to a low-fat, healthy diet. Eat smaller meals more often, instead of fewer larger meals.  Avoid fatty foods for one (1) month. Drink plenty of fluids, unless otherwise directed. 

Keep your wound dressings on your abdominal area clean and dry for the first 48 hours.  After removing the dressing, you may use Band-Aids or leave them open to air, based on your comfort level. You may shower after your dressings are removed. Pat the wound dry; do not rub, scratch, or pick at the wound.

Rest when you feel tired.  Avoid strenuous activities and do not lift anything over 10 to 15 lbs. Most people can return to normal activities around 2 weeks. Try to walk each day, increasing bit by bit - this gets blood flowing and prevents other postop complications.  

Driving may resume once you no longer take pain medicine and can use your arm without pain. With the doctor's okay, you may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Avoid baths for the first 2 weeks. If you have a wound dressing, leave it on for 10 days unless otherwise directed by the physician.

Access our preferred guidance HERE.

Access our preferred guidance HERE.

In some cases, we will insert a tube in the incision to drain fluid out of the surgical site. The tube will have a bulb-like device at the end of the tube to collect the fluid. When you return for a postoperative visit, the drain will be removed. 

Before and after you empty the drain reservoir, wash your hands well with soap and running water. Pay special attention to rubbing your fingers, fingernails, and the backs of your hands. Hand washing is an important step to help prevent infection.  

Empty your drain reservoir when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. 

Pour the contents of the reservoir into the measuring cup, record the amount of drainage, and share it with your surgeon.  Squeeze the sides of the reservoir to remove all air. Reinsert the cap. The drain works properly only when the sides are flattened and a light suction is created.  

Pin the reservoirs to your clothing to prevent pulling on the tubing.