I wanted to ask people who already had surgery about the incentive spirometer, my doctor requires to use it 2 weeks prior to surgery and also bring it when have surgery to continue to use it. It seems they come in 3 different ML's, 2500, 4000 or 5000ml. Which one do you suggest? Thank you for your time...

The one they gave me in the hospital was set to 2000 ml (it could be set anywhere from 500-4000 ml). I'm not sure if that's what they set it at for everyone, or if it was customized for me (as a short female, I'm assuming I have less lung capacity than a tall male). I will say that wasn't until 3 or 4 days post-op that I could get up to the 2000. Even now, the most I can do is 2500 ml.

My goal was also to get to 2000ml. It took me until about a week after surgery before I could actually do it. In the hospital, I was mostly around 1500.

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I got the Medline 4000ml on Amazon for like $10. Worked great and I was able to increase my volume from 1800 to 2500 prior to surgery. Continued using it for several weeks postop. I also used it before and after my gallbladder removal.

The one I received was set to 2000.

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Was just discharged from hospital yesterday, 1500 was the mark the resp therapist was aiming for...

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I was introduced to the spirometer after surgery. 5' 2" female set to 2000

I don't think it matters what setting is on and it's just mandatory that you continue to do it because if you don't because of the surgery I mean your lungs can collapse that's why they have you do the breathing exercises

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The most important thing and just remembering to continuously use it and do it as often as you can that's all that really matters

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1500 for me. Definitely helped at the hospital and a week after as well.

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How long should you continue to use it after surgery?

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