Be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions after surgery, including wearing your compression garments properly and for the recommended amount of time. [2] X Expert Source JoAnna Nguyen, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon & Reconstructive Surgeon Expert Interview. 29 July 2020. To insure that you remember these instructions, ask the doctor or nurse if you can get written notes, or have a loved one listen to the instructions with you.
Wait until at least 24 hours after your surgery to clean the site or shower. Clean and care for the incision site for as long as your doctor recommends. This time will vary depending on the type of abdominal surgery.
Avoid applying ice directly to your skin, which could irritate or damage it.
If you apply lotion to the surrounding area on your abdomen, use a fragrance-free kind and make sure it does not touch the incision.
Doctors will typically recommend that you wear a post-surgery compression garment for 3-6 weeks. Compression garments are available online or in medical supply stores. Shapewear garments should be stretch and carefully pulled over the abdominal area and removed gently while your abdomen is still healing.
Try small meals like oatmeal, salad, or soup. Opt for snacks like bananas, apples, or whole grain crackers. Ask your doctor when you should start to resume eating normally.
As a general rule, try to drink about 8 cups (1. 9 l) of hydrating fluids per day. Aim to drink enough fluids to make your urine clear. [9] X Research source Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating. Urine that smells particularly bad may be a sign of dehydration.
Use a blender to make foods softer and easier to digest. You can also eat baby food during your recovery. Follow this diet for as long as your doctor recommends. In general, you’ll heal faster if you follow a healthy diet that’s high in protein, fruits and vegetables and low in carbohydrates, sugars, and salty foods. Also, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. [11] X Expert Source JoAnna Nguyen, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon & Reconstructive Surgeon Expert Interview. 29 July 2020.
Bananas Peaches, pears, and apples Hot cereals like oatmeal Sweet potatoes Tender cooked vegetables
Increase the length of your walks as you start to feel stronger. Do not engage in rigorous activity like running, biking, or jumping rope while you are recovering from surgery. Remember to pass gas if you need to. Not passing gas can lead to more bloating and discomfort.
