Tummy tuck in Tijuana · Day 2 of 10

Day 2 after a tummy tuck in Tijuana

Many people leave hospital around now. Rest at the hotel, walk a little every hour or two and keep your knees bent when you lie down. Today is still for your companion to explore.

Short answer

On day 2 after a tummy tuck in Tijuana:

  • Not today Lifting and straining · Exercise · Showers, baths and pools · Flying home
  • With care Walking · Compression garment · Sleeping position

For your companion today: CECUT cultural centre and dome cinema, Tijuana tacos and craft beer tour, Rosarito beach.

Today's rules

With care

Walking

Get up and walk a little as soon as your team allows, usually within the first day or two and with help at first. You may not be able to stand fully upright yet; that improves.

Source: Kaiser Permanente · Acibadem International

Not today

Lifting and straining

For 6 weeks, avoid lifting anything that makes you strain, such as a suitcase, heavy shopping bags or a child. Let your companion carry the bags.

Source: Kaiser Permanente

Not today

Exercise

No abdominal exercises and nothing strenuous, such as cycling, jogging, weights or aerobics, for 6 to 8 weeks.

Source: Kaiser Permanente · NHS

With care

Compression garment

Wear the compression garment all the time except in the shower. The NHS says it is usually worn for about 6 weeks; your surgeon sets the date.

Source: Kaiser Permanente · NHS

Not today

Showers, baths and pools

Showering usually starts 24 to 48 hours after surgery or once the drains are out, as your surgeon says. No bath for at least 2 weeks, and ask your surgeon before pools, the sea, hot tubs or the hammam.

Source: Kaiser Permanente · Acibadem International

With care

Sleeping position

Rest with your upper body raised and pillows under your knees. Keeping your knees bent takes tension off the stitches.

Source: NHS · Acibadem International

Not today

Flying home

Not yet. Surgeons usually ask you to stay near the hospital for about one to two weeks before a long flight, and the CDC advises medical tourists to wait at least 10 days after abdominal surgery.

Source: Acibadem International · 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.

Day 2: a rest day at your hotel

Today is for resting at the hotel and short walks as your surgeon advises. The picks below are for your companion, all within a short ride of the clinic district.

  • CECUT cultural centre and dome cinema

    Tijuana's cultural centre, with the Museum of the Californias and a dome-screen cinema. Indoors and seated.

    Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours

  • Tijuana tacos and craft beer tour

    Taco stands and breweries across the city.

    A few hours on foot with breaks, some open-air walking, about 5 hours

  • Rosarito beach

    A wide surf beach 40 minutes south with beach bars.

    Gentle walking, mostly in full sun, about 5 hours

  • Playas de Tijuana seafront and the border wall

    A flat seafront walk to where the border fence runs into the Pacific, covered in murals.

    Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours

Nothing to skip today

Nothing on our Tijuana list breaks today's rules. Keep following the food and care rules above.

Where to eat today

  • Churros. Hot fried dough with sugar, from street carts. Crunchy.
  • Craft beer on Plaza Fiesta. A cluster of small breweries in Zona Río.
  • Caldo de res or caldo de pollo. Beef or chicken broth with soft vegetables, at any fonda. Let it cool after dental work.

Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates

Questions people ask