Most surgeons ask clients to get up and walk short distances every one to two hours while awake, beginning the day of surgery. This is not exercise — it is clot prevention and lung expansion.
The first few times you stand, have someone with you. Blood pressure drops, medication and swelling make dizziness common. Sit at the edge of the bed for a full minute before standing, then stand with a hand on support before walking.
Log-roll to get out of bed after abdominal procedures: roll to your side, drop your legs, push up with your arms rather than curling your torso. Your nurse will teach and rehearse this with you.
Expect to walk slightly bent forward after a tummy tuck. Do not force yourself upright — straighten gradually over one to two weeks as your surgeon allows.
Stop and report immediately if you have calf pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. These are urgent, not wait-and-see.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is general education about recovery support and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Boca Post Operative Care does not perform surgery and does not replace your surgeon. Always follow the written discharge instructions provided by your operating surgeon, and call your surgeon or 911 for any urgent or emergency concern.
Keep reading
- Preparing for Surgery: The Two Weeks Before
A calm, well-prepared start makes the first 72 hours dramatically easier. Here is what we ask every client to have handled before the day arrives.
- Preparing Your Recovery Space
Where you recover matters as much as who cares for you. A room-by-room guide to setting up a healing space.
- Nutrition, Hydration and Healing
What you eat and drink in the first two weeks affects swelling, energy and wound healing more than most people expect.