sternal precautions following open heart surgury

How strict does a patient need to be about not using their arms for bed mobility or transfers following open heart surgury?
I have worked at two different hosptials where I assisted post-op heart patients to get moving again after surgury. One was much more casual about the arm use precaution than the other.  I am wondering what is the most common teaching regarding this.

[CCFCardio MD2]

Typically you will want to avoid any heavy lifting over 10 pounds fora couple weeks at least.  This is a good question to ask your surgeon as each patient may have different complications requiring different recommendations about activity.  Hope this helps.