DIEP Program
An education and rehabilitation program for those who have undergone or are considering a DIEP Flap Reconstruction.
The DIEP Program is a guided recovery pathway designed to educate, reassure, and support you through every stage of DIEP flap reconstruction — from decision-making and packing for hospital, to rebuilding strength and returning to the life you want.
DIEP recovery can be significant physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every woman’s journey is unique, but many experiences are shared. We’ve gathered practical tools, clear education, and real-world recovery insights so you feel less overwhelmed and more supported — especially in those early weeks when it can feel like you’re doing it alone.
This program has been created to:
Foster community among women who have undergone DIEP surgery.
Share real-life recovery experiences.
Provide education and practical tools to support your journey.
Help all women who are going through the DIEP reconstruction process, from decision making, packing for hospital to full recovery.
How you can get started:
Target - aim to accumulate 150-300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week at a moderate (can talk but not sing) intensity.
Example start - 5 minutes of walking around the house each day.
Example progression - Duration: build up time by 10% each week until 150-minute target is achieved, then:
Example progression – Intensity: gradually build up your walking speed until the intensity is at a ‘moderate’ (talk but not sing) level.
Target - complete two or three strength exercise sessions per week targeting the major muscle groups.
Example start - Four strength exercises done at home for one set of 10-15 repetitions, two or three times per week.
Example progression - Duration/Volume: add 1-2 exercises per week until completing 8-10 in total, then:
Gradually increase to two or three sets of each exercise, then:
Example progression – Intensity: gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises. You can do this by:
Increasing the weight
Using a stronger band
Going more slowly
Holding half-way down in the exercise for a second or two
Starting off strength exercise at home doesn’t need a whole lot of equipment. Examples of simple include:
Sit to stand from a chair/Squats to a chair
Wall/benchtop push ups
Heel raises/single leg heel raises
Marching on the spot
Seated knee extensions
Bicep curls with cans/milk bottles
