Preparing for DIEP surgery involves detailed discussions with your plastic surgeon and potentially your oncologist for how best to go about your unique surgical plan. We will review all the details about the surgery, your hospital stay, and post operative recovery with you at your pre-operative appointment. We recommend you bring the family member who will be helping you in the weeks after surgery to this pre-operative appointment. We suggest you take a least 4-5 weeks off from work and strenuous activity so you can heal properly.