Bariatric surgery in Istanbul · Day 5 of 7
Day 5 after bariatric surgery in Istanbul
Aim to walk at a pace that makes you slightly short of breath, building up gradually. Rest in between.
Today's rules
Walking
Gentle walking matters. Build up gradually towards 30 minutes a day, at a pace that leaves you slightly out of breath.
Source: North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol Bariatric Service · NHS
Lifting
Avoid heavy lifting for at least two months after abdominal surgery. Let your companion carry bags.
Food and drink
Liquids only in weeks 1 to 4, then puréed food, then soft food. Food tours and restaurant meals are for your companion.
Source: NHS
Fluids, heat and sun
Keep your fluids up. Stay in the shade at midday, because sun and heat make it harder to stay hydrated on small sips.
Baths, pools and the sea
Showers are fine. Avoid baths and swimming until the wounds have fully healed, about 6 weeks.
Car rides and long waits
On journeys or queues longer than about an hour, get out and move. Long sitting raises the risk of blood clots after surgery.
Source: NHS
Flying home
The CDC advises medical tourists not to fly for at least 10 days after chest or abdominal surgery. Ask your surgeon for written travel clearance.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · NHS
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
4 things you can do today
Grand Bazaar
A covered maze of 4,000 shops. Shaded, but shoulder to shoulder at peak times. Go early on a weekday.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours
Hagia Sophia
The great dome is worth it, but queues stand in the sun and the inside is crowded. Women cover their hair and everyone removes shoes.
Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours
Basilica Cistern
The cool, dim underground cistern with the Medusa heads. Walkways get packed at midday; go at opening time.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 1 hour
Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Two hours on the water past palaces, mansions and both bridges. Pick a seat in the covered cabin or the shaded side of the deck.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 2 hours
Also fine today: Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Nargile café in Tophane · Spice Bazaar · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Galata Tower · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Whirling dervish ceremony · Pera Museum
2 things to skip today
Guided food tour with ferry ride
Why not: Too much walking and effort for this stage. You are on liquids only.
Not during the 7 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Bosphorus dinner cruise with show
Why not: You are on liquids only.
Not during the 7 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Where to eat
You: liquids only, exactly as your bariatric team planned. Carry your fluids with you and sip all day.
Your companion:
- Esnaf lokantası lunch. Tradesmen's canteens serve soups, stews, rice and vegetable dishes from steam trays. Point at what you want. Let soup cool if you have had dental work.
- Mantı in Kadıköy or Beşiktaş. Tiny dumplings under garlic yogurt and chilli butter. Ask for the butter on the side if you need it mild.
- Milk puddings at a muhallebici. Sütlaç, kazandibi and tavuk göğsü: soft, cool and very Istanbul.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates