How to Get Out of Bed After Stomach Surgery

Any stomach surgery such as a Caesarean delivery of a newborn, hysterectomy or bariatric surgery is major, and recovery can be long and difficult. One of your first challenges will be getting out of bed while the wound is still tender. Although it may be the last thing you want to do, getting up and walking around within a few days of surgery is a necessary part of speeding recovery. You will need help getting out of bed the first few times following the procedure, either from a nurse, relative or friend.

Things You'll Need

• Bed
• Arm rails
• Helper
• Reclining chair
• Pillows

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Instructions

• 1

  Move as close to the edge of the bed as you can. It is easiest to do this while lying on your back and shifting your hips and shoulders with small movements. You will probably feel a lot of pain any time you flex your abdominal muscles, so use other parts of your body as much as possible to shift your position.

• 2

  Flex your knees and put your feet flat on the bed. Use your legs to lift your hips and midsection as you scoot to the edge of the bed. If you are in a hospital bed, use the arm rails to help you shift your shoulders.

• 3

  Turn over onto your side facing outside the bed in the direction from which you want to get out. Use the arm rails to help you turn, or grab onto the edge of the bed to pull yourself around.

• 4

  Use your hands to pull your knees toward your chest one at a time. Push the lower half of your legs off the edge of the bed. With your arms, carefully "walk" yourself up into a sitting position by moving your arms one at a time toward your body and pushing off the bed. If this is your first time getting out of bed after stomach surgery, you may need someone to help you push yourself up.

• 5

  Sit for a few moments to make sure you do not feel dizzy. Scoot your bottom as close to the edge of the bed as possible so that your feet are planted firmly on the floor.

• 6

  Stand up slowly using just the strength in your legs. Keep your helper nearby to support you as you stand and to help you take a few steps. Try to stand up as tall as possible. If you hunch around because of pain and fatigue, it could slow your recovery time.

• 7

  Do this process in reverse to lie back down. If you flop down quickly, your stomach muscles will tense up as a reflex and it will be very painful.

• 8

  Sleep in a reclining chair or use pillows to prop yourself in bed for several weeks after the surgery. This will make it much easier to get in and out of bed by yourself as the wound is healing.