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A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Palo Alto, CA

I will be undergoing bypass surgery. So what are diet restrictions after surgery? I am already following plant based diet.
Can i take regular shower after discharging from Hospital?
Are any special clothing needed?

July 24, 2023
 · 
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MyHeartDiseaseTeam

Here is some information on pre and post-bypass care and diet based on the knowledge base:

Pre-Bypass Care:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Manage weight and control diabetes.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce dietary fat intake.
- Increase exercise to prevent further complications.

Show Full Answer

Here is some information on pre and post-bypass care and diet based on the knowledge base:

Pre-Bypass Care:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Manage weight and control diabetes.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce dietary fat intake.
- Increase exercise to prevent further complications.

Post-Bypass Care:
- Immediate Post-Surgery:
- Spend one or two days in the intensive care unit (ICU) for regular monitoring.
- Continue recovery in another part of the hospital for an additional three to five days.
- Expect to return to work and resume normal activities after about six weeks.
- Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended by your cardiologist.

- Long-Term Care:
- Most people feel better for 10 to 15 years after coronary bypass surgery.
- Be aware of potential risks such as blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, reactions to medication, heart attack or stroke during the surgery, and death.
- Specific complications include postpericardiotomy syndrome, which can cause chest pain and low-grade fever lasting several months.
- Note that coronary bypass surgery does not cure the underlying coronary artery disease, and over time, the coronary arteries and new grafts can become clogged again.

Diet:
- Heart-Healthy Diet:
- Follow a diet low in salt and saturated fats to help keep cholesterol levels in check.
- Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

For more detailed information, you can visit the following resources:
- [Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery – Johns Hopkins Medicine](http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/te...)
- [Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) – MedicineNet](http://www.medicinenet.com/coronary_artery_bypa...)
- [What To Expect After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/...)
- [Coronary bypass surgery - Results – Mayo Clinic](http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coro...)

July 18, 2024
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Your surgeon will give you instructions. I had problems with my incision. It kept getting infection in it because I had cellulitis strep in my right leg 2 weeks before surgery and I was still on iv antibiotics. Ended up having 6 surgeries to clean it out. Had to do iv antibiotics for 8 weeks to try to get rid of it. Just had my 2 yr anniversary of my bypass.

August 12, 2023
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

I wore sweat pants loose shirt , Didnt scrub my staples just let soap an water run over it.

August 6, 2023
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Loose clothing around your chest

July 24, 2023
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Gosh! I certainly remember going through it several years ago now. I THINK I can say it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, you can take a shower. Good luck!

July 24, 2023

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