4 day post-op: Can I sleep on my side, if I keep my knees bent?

I usually recommend women stay off their side for at least a week.  he pressure on the surgical area can cause some disruption of the tissues, as well as cause edema to pool on that side.  The heartburn is probably a combination of your post-op medications, as well as the surgical pressure on your abdomen itself.  I hope this helps.

Questions on postoperative care are almost always best directed to your specific surgeon.  No one will have the exact knowledge of your case or your anatomy that he or she does and most offices are well versed in answering questions exactly like this.Best,Dr. Pyle

I tell my patients that the most important thing in the first week as far as sleeping is to avoid straightening at the waist to keep strain off of the wound.  Sleeping on your side with your hips flexed is unlikely to be an issue.  Be sure to ask your surgeon what he recommends.Heartburn may be due to the meds or an incomplete diet.  Be sure that your are not missing something more concerning by discussing it with your surgeon.

I would say this is fine.  Another way is to sleep with pillows under your knees for comfort (the main thing is to keep flexed at the waist).On the heartburn, this can be from a number of things.  You abdominal muscles were tightened which puts pressure on your abdomen (the intent ... right) and can exacerbate a hiatal hernia.  Also, the stress/medications may be causing increased acid production.I would recommend discussing these with your physician to gain their approval and get recommendations per their own guidelines.