Upon leaving the operating room, a support garment will be placed on you.

• This garment is an essential factor in promoting a safe and comfortable post-operative period. The garment compresses the involved area to reduce swelling (edema) and help promote skin conformity.

• This garment is to remain in place continuously for 48 hours after surgery, or as instructed by Dr. Mecham.

• After the first 48 hours, you may remove the garment to shower only.

• You are to wear this garment for a minimum of six weeks. Dr. Mecham will review at your 6-week post-op appointment if it needs to be worn longer.

• You must wear the garment continuously during these 6 weeks, removing it for only short periods of time to shower.

During the first 24 hours after surgery, you will lay in bed with pillows propped up under your knees and head.

When standing, you must stay in a hunched over position at a 45-65 degree angle, bent over at the waist. This rule applies for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Please walk every two hours while awake. After the first 24 hours you may gradually resume light and minimal activity. Progressing to walking straight is very important.

Be as active and mobile as you comfortably can.

Lying in bed all day is not recommended. All surgical patients are at risk for clots in their legs that can travel through the body.

Pump calves when sitting for long stretches of time to discourage the formation of blood clots.

Wearing compression socks at all times for two weeks after surgery will also help reduce this risk.

If you experience pain, please take your prescribed medications as directed. Remember to take them with food. Keep in mind that pain medication may cause nausea and diarrhea. Ondansetron (Zofran) and stool softener will be prescribed prior to surgery along with the other medications to help alleviate these symptoms.

Do not take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period.

Avoid Aspirin or any Aspirin related medications (Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, etc.) for at least 2 weeks after surgery. REFER TO YOUR LIST OF MEDICATIONS NOT TO TAKE.

Drains will be removed in our clinic when the amount of drainage is diminished. These drains will remain in place until they drain less than 25 cc in 24 hours for three consecutive days. You will keep track of the amounts of fluids discarded from each drain separately to avoid the risk of early removal. The color of the drainage fluid may range from a red to yellowish clear tint. Do not be alarmed by the color of the fluids. You may also leak fluid from around where the drain exits through the skin, that is normal as well.

Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery. After surgery, please start with sprite, ginger ale, or other clear liquids. Advance diet if tolerated to avoid nausea.

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery.

• Remove only the tape and gauze from your belly button.

• Wash the incision sites with a mild soap and pat dry.

• You will notice Steri-Strips (surgical tape) over the incisions. These can get wet and will not fall off. They are placed to provide additional support. These will eventually fall off by themselves or be removed at your first post-op visit.

• Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other topical treatments without first consulting with your doctor.

• Apply Bacitracin ointment to the belly button and cover with gauze or a bandage. Change daily.

Drain site dressings need to be changed 48 hours after surgery, sooner if dressings are soiled.

• After the first 48hrs, the dressing around the drain site needs to be changed daily. Apply Bacitracin ointment and a bandage.

Swelling and or bruising throughout your abdominal area is normal and should begin to subside four to six weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, and some patients may heal quicker or slower than others, so please have patience during your recovery phase.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning on your scars for six months after surgery.

Please be aware that smoking or the use of unauthorized medications can lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.

You may need assistance getting up to use the restroom or walking after surgery. Sit at the edge of bed to allow your body to adjust prior to standing. If dizzy, you should not attempt to get out of bed without assistance.

Do not drive unless you are no longer taking prescription pain medication, and your last dose was taken 24-48 hours prior.

Absolutely no swimming, hot tubs, saunas or bathtubs for 4-6 weeks or until completely healed.

Do not drink alcohol for 3-4 weeks.

Limit sodium intake to 1,500-2,000 mg daily to decrease swelling.

Avoid straining the abdominal muscles.

Strenuous exercise and lifting greater than 10 pounds after surgery is restricted for 6 weeks after surgery. Walking is highly encouraged but be cautious of elevated heartrate.

Call the clinic immediately (801.756.5600) if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Temperature above 101.8°F.

• shakes and chills.

• excessive bleeding from incision sites.

• severe or sudden pain with a reddened swollen area which feels hard like a baseball and warm to the touch.