What is the usual post-operative recovery period like?

Your pain will be at its worst for the first three days after surgery and should diminish substantially after this. You should, however, get up and move about on the day after your surgery, attend to your basic needs, and cough and deep breathe as instructed. When sleeping or reclining, you should have two pillows under your knees, and your back slightly upright to reduce tension on the incision. When moving about you should be slight bent at the waist for the same reason. Presuming your drain output is minimal drains will be removed at the first post-operative visit. You should not engage in strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or straining the abdominal muscles. To maneuver out of bed you should roll sideways, for instance. You may shower 48 hours after the procedure. DO NOT bathe or submerge in water. Pat abdominal incision area dry, DO NOT rub. You should be able to get back to normal activities of daily living without much discomfort by 9-14 days. If your job does not involve much physical labor you may be fit to return within the same time frame. Heavier lifting and strenuous exercise should not be undertaken for at least one month after this surgery.