After Surgery

The first hours

Immediately after surgery you will be in the recovery room or ICU:

• Monitoring: Your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen) will be continuously monitored.
• Pain: You will have medications to control it. Tell the nursing staff if you are in pain.
• Tubes and drains: It is normal to have IV lines, urinary catheter and possibly drains.
• Drowsiness: Effects of anesthesia can last several hours.

First days in hospital

During the first days you will progress little by little:

• Moving: They will encourage you to sit up and walk as soon as possible. This is very important.
• Breathing: Deep breathing exercises to prevent respiratory complications.
• Feeding: It starts gradually when the intestine recovers function.
• Pain: Will be managed with regular medication. Communicate your pain level.
• Drains: Will be removed as they stop draining.

Progressive feeding

Feeding after abdominal surgery follows a gradual progression:

1. Absolute fasting: The first hours or days, depending on surgery.
2. Clear liquids: Water, broths, infusions.
3. Soft liquids: Yogurt, purees, creams.
4. Soft diet: Easily digestible foods.
5. Normal diet: Progressively reintroducing foods.

The pace will depend on how your body responds. There is no rush.

The importance of walking

Getting up and walking as soon as possible is one of the most important things for your recovery:

• Prevents blood clots (thrombosis)
• Improves intestinal function
• Prevents respiratory complications
• Speeds up overall recovery
• Improves mood

Start with a few steps and gradually increase. Every little bit counts.

Returning home

When you are discharged:

• Prescriptions: You will receive a list of medications you need to take.
• Care instructions: How to care for wounds, what you can and cannot do.
• Follow-up appointments: Scheduled dates for check-ups.
• Contact numbers: Who to call if you have problems or questions.

Home care

Wounds

• Keep them clean and dry
• Follow dressing change instructions
• Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge)
• You can usually shower after 48-72 hours, but ask your doctor

Activity

• Walk every day, gradually increasing
• Do not lift heavy objects (more than 5 kg) for several weeks
• Do not drive until the doctor authorizes it
• Rest when you are tired, but don't stay in bed all day

Nutrition

• Eat small amounts frequently
• Plenty of protein (meat, fish, eggs, legumes)
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid heavy or very fatty foods at first

Warning signs

Contact your medical team immediately if you experience:

Normal vs. concerning

Normal:

• Tiredness and fatigue for several weeks
• Mild pain in the wound area
• Bruising around wounds
• Changes in bowel movements initially
• Emotional ups and downs

Concerning:

• Increasing pain instead of decreasing
• High fever
• Wound appearance worsening
• Inability to eat or drink
• Sudden swelling in the abdomen or legs

Returning to normal life

Recovery times vary for each person and type of surgery:

• Simple activities: 2-4 weeks
• Driving: Usually 4-6 weeks (when you can brake safely)
• Return to work: 4-8 weeks depending on type of work
• Full physical exercise: 8-12 weeks

Listen to your body. Don't rush recovery.