After a person has undergone an open-heart surgery, how long would the healing time be generally? After the healing period, would the person be able to lead a normal active lifestyle (or, would precautions be taken at every step)? Would a heart pump be installed inside the person's body and blood thinner pills need to be taken daily?
Yup, each operation is unique and depends on your age, overall health, etc. Both of my parents and an uncle underwent by-pass surgery. My dad and uncle in their 50's and my mom, just this summer; she's 73.
For mom, because she is older, the recovery is a bit longer, plus her overal health is not as good. Nevertheless, after 6 months, she's doing very well. She still takes beta-blockers and another med to strengthen her heart and blood pressure medicine (she has very high BP).
Dad on the other hand is now 76 and takes nothing for his heart and hasn't for many, many years. Diet and exercise are extremely important to a healthy heart.