Bathing

When you're just starting your recovery, you might be feeling weak. It's a good idea to have someone nearby to assist if needed. You can place a stool in the shower to make it easier. Be gentle when washing your incisions with soap; do not scrub them. Afterward, pat them dry. Unless your wounds are weeping or wet, it's best to leave them open. Taking a daily bath is advisable and highly recommended.

Diet

Eating balanced meals will help speed up your healing process and reduce fatigue after surgery. Your appetite may be reduced initially, but it will improve as you recover. Consider having smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large ones. If you have diabetes, it's crucial to manage your blood sugar levels. A heart-healthy diet should be low in cholesterol, saturated fats, sugar, salt, and calories.

The cardiologist, dietitian, or nursing staff will provide guidance on adjusting your eating habits. It's wise to minimize coronary risk factors by reducing saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt in your diet. Being overweight is detrimental to heart patients, so it's essential to maintain a healthy weight. Generally, you can consume the same foods as the rest of your family if your body tolerates them. Avoid salty foods like potato chips, but using regular cooking salt is fine. Fatty foods and carbonated drinks should be avoided. Instead, focus on consuming fruits, fresh vegetables, and dietary fiber. Avoid processed sweets and bakery products. Keep an eye on hidden fats and calories, especially in the form of snacks between meals.

Recommended Food Products after Coronary Artery Surgery

• Skimmed milk and its products
• Lentils
• Low-cholesterol butter
• Poultry, fish, egg whites
• Soups
• Buttermilk, coconut water, lime juice
• Wheat flour with bran, chickpea flour (besan)
• Green leafy vegetables
• Fruits - apple, orange, sweet lime, grape, pears, watermelon, muskmelon
• Grilled, baked, sesame, and roasted foods
• Dry fruits - 15-20 grams per day

Cholesterol

Nutrition experts generally agree that maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart complications in individuals with coronary artery disease. It's a good idea to periodically check your cholesterol levels. If they are high, you will need to reduce them through a proper diet and exercise. If diet and exercise are not sufficient, medication may be required.

Cooking

When cooking, use small amounts of vegetable oil. Corn, soy, sunflower, peanut, and olive oils are better choices. Baking, boiling, steaming, and grilling are healthier cooking methods compared to frying. Avoid adding salt at the table. Do not re-fry food, and do not reuse oil that has already been used, as reheating oil can produce trans-fatty acids, which are harmful to your heart and can lead to cholesterol buildup in your arteries.