How do I protect my stitches after a lipoma removal?

Hello:
I’m a 22 year old female of tall stature and healthy weight. I had a large flat lipoma (6.5 cm) removed from my back today and am worried about straining my stitches. I think the plastic surgeon did a good job and the results look great so far – no bruising, swelling or dent left yet. He gave me two layers of stitches and a silver dressing but I’m still kind of paranoid about doing something to screw it all up.

My problem is that the area around the dressing feels so tight, (maybe it’s just the dressing itself?) especially if I try to do the slightest physical activity with my upper body. Even the smallest things like relaxing my neck and shoulders makes it feel like it’s “pulling” almost and I’m afraid of stretching the wound even a little and causing infection and bad scarring.

Is there anything I can do be comfortable while protecting my stitches while they heal? What kind of activities should I avoid? I know I can’t work out for a couple of weeks but I can’t avoid life and its small demands entirely for that duration! :p