Poster: Recovery after bypass surgery. Surgical instruments and gloved hands over a draped patient.

Full recovery after a Bypass Surgery procedure will take around twelve weeks. But it varies with individuals, so there is no need to worry even if you don’t recover within that period. After the surgery, you may be required to stay at the hospital for around a week so that the medical staff can closely monitor you. The medical staff will give you general instructions as to how you need to take care of yourself after surgery. Listed below are few things to keep yourself informed beforehand:

In the first three to six weeks, a feeling of tiredness is natural.
You will be given painkillers to ease you from any soreness coming from the cuts. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t come in contact with your wound will help it heal faster up to some degree.
The stitches will dissolve over the weeks after the surgery and the initial redness on the scars on your chest will also fade with time.
It is important to clean the wounds and keep them protected from the sun while they’re healing.
When you return home from the hospital, you will be able to do very light activities like taking short walks, cooking, and lifting light objects.
In about six weeks time, you will be able to do slightly more difficult activities like driving, carrying heavier objects and so on.
If you’re recovering well and your job doesn’t involve heavy physical activities, you may resume your job in six to eight weeks. But it is advised to consult your doctor before you plan to do so.
Many hospitals may provide a rehabilitation program for people who’ve had a heart surgery. It aims to help you recover from the surgery and get back to your usual routine as quickly as possible.
Some of the side effects of the operation include loss of appetite, constipation, back pain, muscle pain, mood swings and difficulty in having a good sleep.
It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle once you’ve fully recovered. Stop smoking, follow a healthy diet, exercise daily and moderate your alcohol intake. Continue taking medications if you’ve been prescribed any.

What Is Bypass Surgery And Why Is It Performed?

This page is written for general understanding and is not medical advice. It cannot take account of your own history, and a consultation is needed before any diagnosis or treatment. Written by Dr. Mahadevan R, MBBS, MS, MCh (CVTS), Chief Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Magnum Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.