After the operation of CABG, the following routine at home, is recommended, to help you recover as soon as possible:

1. Activity & Exercise

Start with short walks (20-30 minutes) twice a day and gradually increase the time and distance. Walk only as much as you can comfortably walk within your exercise capacity. Stop if you are getting tired.

2. Deep Breathing

Practice deep breathing for 5-10 minutes, twice or thrice a day. You can use the exercise spirometer provided to you.

3. Diet

Please have home cooked food, which is high in protein, to help in recovery. Avoid processed, oily or fried foods.

4. Fluid Intake

Limit your total fluid intake to 1.5 litres a day, including fluid taken in food: Water, tea, milk, dal, soup etc.

5. Sleeping Position  

Avoid full side turning while lying in bed. If you wish to, you may turn upto 45 degrees for some time.

6. Lifting weights and bending

For a period of 10-12 weeks, till you recover, do not simultaneously lift both arms above your shoulders or bend down, or lift heavy weights.

7. Exertion

Cycling, driving, swimming or any other severe exercise is not recommended for the first 10- 12 weeks after surgery.

8. Medication

Avoid self-medication. For pain relief, Tab paracetmol 500 mgs (or 650 mgs if you weigh more 70 kg) may be taken upto 4 times a day. Follow the schedule of medicines given in the discharge summary, and consult your doctor incase of  fever, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness or any other complaint.

9. Wound dressing

No dressing is required on the wounds. Wear a chest binder and compression bandage on the legs for 8-10 weeks, from where the veins have been harvested.

10. Personal Hygiene

Have a daily bath with soap and water. The operation sites can also be washed with soap and water.