Appendectomy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for appendectomy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Lifelong Rules
- •Protein first at every meal, 60-80g daily minimum
- •No drinking with meals or 30 min before/after eating
- •Follow supplement recommendations
- •No carbonated beverages, can stretch your pouch/sleeve
- •Attend all follow-up appointments and support groups
Appendectomy recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Rest and hydrate
- Sip clear liquids only: water, sugar-free popsicles, clear broth
- Use incentive spirometer every hour while awake, 10 deep breaths
- Pain managed with IV and/or prescribed medication
Diet: Clear Liquids
- Clear liquids ONLY: water, sugar-free Jello, clear broth, diluted juice
- Sip constantly. Goal: 64oz of fluid per day. No gulping.
- Begin protein supplements if approved by your surgeon
- No carbonated beverages, caffeine, or alcohol
Activity
- Walk 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily. Increase each day.
- No lifting over 10-15 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
- Light stretching as tolerated
Diet: Full Liquids
- Advance to full liquids: protein shakes, strained cream soups, yogurt drinks, milk
- 60-80g protein per day. Protein shakes are your best friend.
- Eat, drink slowly. Meals should take 20-30 minutes.
- Continue hydration goal of 64oz daily, separate from meals
Warning Signs
- Nausea or vomiting after eating means you're eating too fast or too much
- Some nausea is normal as your body adjusts
- Hair loss may begin at 3-6 months. This is temporary. Keep up protein intake.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101.5°F
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Inability to keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe abdominal pain not relieved by medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Rapid heart rate, over 120 bpm at rest
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, confusion
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Redness, swelling, or drainage from incision sites
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Calf pain or swelling, sign of blood clot
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Discharge From Hospital
Tolerating clear liquids and walking independently
- Day 3
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 8
Full Liquids Phase
Advance diet as tolerated, protein shakes
- Day 14
Soft Foods Phase
Eating soft, high-protein foods
- Day 14
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
- Day 14
Regular Diet
Modified regular diet with lifelong guidelines
For clinics
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