Physiotherapy advice after bariatric surgery - Homerton University ...

This leaflet explains the things you can doafter your operation to:•help reduce the effects of the anesthetic•help reduce chest infections and bloodclots•increase your physical activity levelsWalking•It’s important that you try to move aroundas soon as possible after your operation•You should aim to walk around the ward atleast every hour•When getting up, please do so slowly asyou may feel dizzy when walking•If you have any drips or drains ask yournurse to help you move with themBreathing exercises and coughing•The anaesthetic used in the operation cancause phlegm to gather in your lungs•Breathing exercises help clear this phlegmand reduce your risk of chest infections•Practice the breathing exercises everyhour while comfortably lying up in bed orsitting upright in a chair•Breathe through your nose and outthrough your mouthActive Cycle of Breathing Technique(ACBT)ACBTDiagram*Start with breathing control - normal,relaxed breathing as you do normally*Deep breaths – breathe in slowly anddeeply, breathe out without forcing it, repeatthree or four times only to avoid dizziness*The huff – take a breath in then breatheout slowly and forcefully, keep your mouthopen and use your stomach muscles“Imagine you are trying to steam up a mirrorwith your breath”*You may feel pain over your abdomen whencoughing. Support your abdomen with yourhands when coughing to limit thisBuilding physical activityFollowing the surgery – your diet will containless protein than normal. Protein is importantin keeping muscles strong.•Therefore your muscles can weaken aftersurgery so it’s important you start to takepart in regular physical activities•Try to build up 30 minutes of moderatephysical activity 5 days a week•Then build this to up to 60 minutes to getthe best weight loss effects•It can be broken down to 10 minute spellsand completed throughout the day•Moderate physical activity is your bodymoving so that your heart beats faster, youfeel warmer and take more breaths. Youshould still be able to talk in full sentencesthroughoute.g. a brisk walk, vigorous cleaning,washing the car, climbing stairs, hangingup washing•Heavy lifting & swimming should beavoided for 6 weeks following surgeryPhysical Activity Circuits and Education(PACE) Class•Run by specialist physiotherapists at theHomerton Hospital for patients who have hadbariatric surgery•Low intensity, friendly circuit-based class•Education sessions•Support and motivation to increase physicalactivity levels•Location: Homerton Hospital•Cost: Free•For more information please contact thebariatric physiotherapist

Top tips for increasing physical activity•Use stairs instead of using lifts or escalators•Get off the bus a stop earlier or get on astop later and walk the extra distance•If you drive, park in the furthest awayspaces•Meet friends for a walk rather than atea/coffee or even walk to the cafe•Stand more instead of sitting•Fidget more - sit down and stand up more -don’t stay in the same position for long•Remove the batteries from your televisionremote control so that you are encouraged tostand up to change the channel•Speak to your GP or a physiotherapist if youhave an injury or pain•Join the PACE Class•Speak to your GP about exercise referral•Set small realistic goals and challenges•Be creative•Wear flat shoes - so you don’t get sore feet•Pick what you enjoy and look forward tothem•Use reminders and diaries•Be sociable - get your friends and familyinvolved•Don’t give up readilyUseful Contacts•Walking for Health Programmewww.wfh.naturalengland.org.ukwfhinfo@naturalengland.co.uk0300 060 2287•NHS Choices on Exercisewww.nhs.uk then search “exercise”•British Heart Foundationwww.bhf.org.uk then search “exercise”•NHS Smoke Free (Support to quitsmoking)smokefree.nhs.uk•Patient Advice and Liaison Team (PALS)Telephone: 0208510 7315pals@homerton.nhs.uk•Bariatric PhysiotherapistHomerton University HospitalBariatric Services0208 510 7496•Homerton University Hospital NHSFoundation TrustHomerton Row, Hackney, London, E9 6SR020 8510 5035www.homerton.nhs.ukBariatric Surgery Department – Diagnostics, Surgery and Outpatients DirectorateDate: February 2011Version 1.Review date: February 2012Physiotherapy adviceafterbariatric surgery