Recovering from abdominal surgery? These 10 practical tips and must-have items made my healing smoother, more comfortable, and far less stressful.
I recently had robotic hernia repair for both an umbilical and an incisional hernia—left over from a C-section and pregnancy more than a decade ago. I hadn’t experienced severe pain, but the hernias were persistent and bothersome. My doctor finally recommended repair, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a relief to have the surgery behind me and to be on the mend.
Surgery is never fun—this was actually my fifth—but having the right tools and a little planning made this my smoothest recovery yet. Below are the items and strategies that helped most, written in clear, practical terms so they might help you too.
1. Adjustable Bed with Extra Pillows
If I could recommend one purchase for abdominal surgery recovery, it would be an adjustable bed. Being able to raise my head and legs independently made sleeping and resting far more comfortable and helped me actually get restful sleep. We have a split king so my husband could stay flat while I adjusted my side—best of both worlds.
On top of the bed features I used:
- One pillow behind my back for support
- Two pillows on either side when I needed extra stability
When side-sleeping felt tolerable, I wedged myself between pillows for support. If a new bed isn’t in the budget, wedge pillows are an excellent, cost-effective alternative that provide similar elevated support.
2. Medication Tracking App (MediSafe or Similar)
Coming home from the hospital I had four to five different medications to take at various times. A medication tracking app that sends reminders and checks for potential interactions was invaluable. It kept dosing straight, reduced anxiety, and ensured I didn’t miss anything important.
3. Stretchy, Comfortable Clothes
Tight waistbands are not your friend after abdominal surgery. I lived in soft, stretchy pants, leggings, flowy tops, and slip-on shoes. Those pieces feel like pajamas but look put together when you need to step out briefly. Lightweight, stretchy pants are also great as easy cover-ups for summer.
4. Abdominal Binder (Supportive Band)
The abdominal binder the hospital provided was a genuine game changer. I wore it most of the time (except for showers) and it provided support, reduced movement-related discomfort, and helped me feel secure while moving around. Wearing a soft tank or thin layer underneath prevents skin irritation. Looking back I wish I’d had one of these after previous surgeries.
If your hospital gives you a binder, try it first—you might prefer it to other options on the market.
5. Ice Packs
Ice is simple and effective for reducing swelling and tenderness. I used a large ice pack across my abdomen whenever I felt inflamed or sore. Having ice packs ready before surgery is a good move—you’ll likely use them immediately after coming home.
6. Grabber Tool
You don’t realize how often you bend down until you can’t. A long-handled grabber helped me pick up items from the floor without straining my core. It’s a small, inexpensive tool that saves a lot of discomfort.
7. Raised Toilet Seat with Handles
Getting up and down can be difficult the first few days. A raised toilet seat with handles makes transfers safer and easier. It’s not glamorous, but it’s incredibly practical and worth having during the initial recovery period.
8. Freezer Meals
If you don’t have a meal train lined up, prepping freezer meals before surgery is a lifesaver. I stocked a couple of weeks’ worth of groceries and froze ready-to-heat dinners for the first week. Options that thaw and reheat easily—casseroles, breakfast burritos, and prepped overnight oats—took the pressure off and made daily life manageable.
9. Laptop Pillow
A laptop pillow with a built-in lap desk was perfect for working from bed without putting pressure on my abdomen. Even if you aren’t working, it’s great for reading, watching shows, or using a laptop comfortably while resting.
10. Hot Tea (for Constipation)
This one might feel personal, but it’s practical: surgery and pain meds often slow digestion. Hot tea with a stool softener or a gentle laxative like polyethylene glycol (per your doctor’s advice) can help relieve constipation. If this is an issue, having a remedy on hand can bring quick relief.
Honorable Mentions
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby. Hydration supports healing, improves energy, and aids digestion.
- Line Up Entertainment: Save a TV show, movies, audiobooks, or podcasts to keep you occupied during long, still stretches. It helped me relax and pass the time while I rested.
A Little Encouragement and Final Thoughts
If you’re headed into surgery or recovering now, you’ve got this. Prepare what you can, give yourself plenty of grace, and don’t rush the healing process. Small comforts and practical tools can make recovery feel far more manageable. This experience reminded me how important it is to care for our bodies and to accept help when we need it.
If you’ve recovered from surgery before, I’d love to hear what helped you most—sharing tips can really make a difference for someone else on the same journey.
xo, Laura