Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyHeartDiseaseTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyHeartDiseaseTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Pre And Post Bypass Care And Diet

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
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
β€’
Be the first to like/hug
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

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
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

Related content

View All

Anyone Here Have A Heart Transplant?

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
George, Western Cape, South Africa

Is Anyone On Tikosyn For Persistent Afib?

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Lebanon, PA

Opinions Please. Local Cardiovascular Providers Don't Seem To Acknowledge This Condition. I Wonder Why?

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Canton, OH
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in