Postoperative bypass patients can improve their health and lessen their likelihood of further cardiac disease. Positive lifestyle changes can help. These include:

Following the surgery, and for the first few months afterward, the bypass patient is encouraged to slowly resume an enjoyable and active life, while minimizing the risks associated with overexertion. At first, relaxation is extremely important. Patients will want to make sure that the physical process of healing goes smoothly. Patients should restrict certain activities, such as lifting objects over 20 pounds, driving, and exposing themselves to highly stressful or strenuous situations. When it is comfortable to do so, light aerobic exercise – particularly walking – is the next step to regaining strength and maintaining a healthy heart. Patients who have jobs that do not require heavy manual labor (e.g., a desk job) may be able to return to work in about four to six weeks.

Even with these and other limitations as instructed by the physician, the most important factor for living well is preventive care. Spending time with family and friends will help bypass patients to stay active. Eventually, many people can return to their places of employment or find another type of work or volunteer activity that keeps them both fulfilled and medically safe.