Patient Education Bariatric Surgery Patient Education | Page 5

Incentive Spirometer
An incentive spirometer is a device that helps you do deep-breathing
exercises. Deep breathing is important after surgery to prevent lung
infections. During surgery, you don’t breathe as deeply because of the
anesthetic. After surgery you need to exercise your lungs to keep them
free from infection. Using an incentive spirometer lets you check your
progress with deep breathing. In order to use your spirometer:
1. Attach the tube to the open end of the port.
2. Hold the spirometer upright or set it on a table or other surface.
3. Slide the volume level marker on the left side to your volume goal.
Your nurse will help you set your goal.
4. Blow the air in your lungs out, and then close your lips tightly around
the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly and deeply, keeping the blue
indicator between the arrows. This will give your lungs the most
exercise.
5. When you can’t take in any more air, hold your breath for 6 seconds.
Then take the mouthpiece out and slowly breathe out.
6. Repeat this 10 times every hour, or as often as your nurse directs you.
This is also a good exercise to continue at home until you’re back to
your usual activity level and no longer taking narcotics.
Talk to your nurse if you have any questions about your incentive
spirometer.
4