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No one appreciates the news that they need surgery. After all, that news means there’s something wrong that needs to be fixed, and the idea of going under can be frightening. But new medical technologies and strategies are improving surgical outcomes, especially now that doctors know just how much impact self-care can have on surgical outcomes.
A lot of work goes into preparing the mind and body for surgery to ensure the best possible outcome and quickest recovery. Many surgeons suggest rehabilitation or “prehab” for short before surgery to strength the body. In addition to prehab, there are a number of steps that patients can take to prepare both the mind and body for surgery and improve overall health.
Start with these five easy ways to prepare for surgery and give yourself the gift of great self-care.
1. Change Your Perspective
Your mental fortitude is one of the most important factors for a successful recovery. We all deal with stress in different ways, and many of our coping methods are subconscious and based on our core beliefs. That’s necessary for dealing with less stressful situations; without coping skills, we’d be too easily overwhelmed by everyday occurrences.
It’s natural to view events like surgery as “forced upon us” and outside of our control. After all, most people don’t choose it. That negative attitude can impact your ability to recover and your overall health.
Surgery can become necessary for just about everyone. The human body just isn’t infallible; it can break down despite our best efforts. Actively try to change your view of surgery and its role in your healing process. Rather than seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a champion undergoing a trial.
Don’t let the idea of surgery become so daunting that it takes over your ability to function in your day to day life. If it does, or if you have anxiety, seek out a talk therapist who can help you deal with your emotions in a positive way.
Take an active and energetic approach to determining how you will deal with your surgery. You can rise to the challenge and learn more about yourself with a constructive mindset. Putting more effort and enthusiasm into a goal will yield a greater sense of accomplishment when you reach the end.
If you can view surgery as a challenge to meet or a winding path you must traverse, you will become stronger and more durable when it’s all said and done.
That sense of accomplishment can and will spur you on to better overall confidence, helping you get through the recovery process and go on to live your life as fully as you can.
2. Learn to Relax
Your mindset about surgery is important, but so, too, is your ability to self-sooth and relax yourself when you’re feeling frazzled. Sometimes you need to back away from everything to get a bit of perspective. Using relaxation techniques is one way to prepare for surgery.
Meditation enjoys a rich history that dates back several thousand years, and it’s increasing in popularity in the west. Though many people associate it with religion, anyone (including you) can learn and benefit from meditation practice.
Sitting and focusing on nothing may seem like a waste of time, at least at first, but that’s just not the case. Meditation studies show that regular practice can calm the mind, help you deal with emotions, and possibly, even make you wiser.
Add occasional meditation to your schedule and you’ll improve your ability to deal with the stress of surgery and your overall life. You’ll feel more positive and be less likely to get caught in anxiety traps.
If you just can’t get into the idea of sitting meditation, try yoga instead. Rather than staying in one place, you focus on becoming more in tune with your body by holding poses. Deep breathing slows your heart and lowers blood pressure, and may even reduce cortisol levels in the body.
Even just adding light stretching and cardio to your daily routine can help you prepare for surgery by improving your mood and physical health. As you become more in-tune with your body, you also improve your ability to detect issues with it — something that can reduce the likelihood of overlooking illness in the future.
3. Organize Your Home/Life
An organized house is an organized mind, and that organized mind is more likely to better cope with stressful experiences. Prepare for surgery by cleaning and organizing your home before you hit the surgical stage so that you have one less thing to worry about during the healing process.
Mental health aside, even the physical benefits of organization are worthy of investigation. Making your home easy and efficient to use while you recover can prevent dangerous falls and save precious energy reserves. Put dishes on the lowest section of the cabinet, stack fresh linens in easy reach, and make freezer meals to last two to six weeks. Clear out obstacles and think of the objects you don’t use; throw or put them away in storage.
Tackling home organization benefits overall life in many ways, too. Keep at it and your new organization skills will become a true habit. That means no more searching for hours for that favorite hat or your little one’s homework. You know where your medication is, you know where your favorite book is, and you don’t need to feel stressed about the mess!
4. Eat Healthier
Do you eat healthy? Could your diet use a bit of improvement? If so, you’re not alone. The average American eats poorly at least some of the time, either because fast food is easier to access or because they’re just too busy living life to cook at home.
This is especially true if you have a surgery coming up. What goes in directly computes to how you feel, and may even impact your healing process. To prepare for surgery, stick with fresh, wholesome foods whenever possible, and skip the sugar — it can impede healing in large amounts.
After surgery, most patients notice a reduction in appetite and motivation. The better you eat in advance of your surgery, the less likely this lack of appetite is to impact your overall health. Stock up on healthy snacks and healthy freezer meals to make eating easy. If you’re concerned about your ability to eat, speak to your doctor about Boost or Ensure-like drinks.
The type of surgery you have will dictate what foods are most appropriate for your new diet. Never start a new diet without first clearing it with your doctor. He or she can help you to create a healthy food plan that works best for your unique health situation.
The general theme of a health surgery prep diet is cutting down on carbohydrates while increasing your fiber and protein intake. Stock up on real fruits and juices for extra vitamin C.
Despite the unique nature of diets, there is one thing all doctors agree you should get rid of: alcohol and cigarettes. Skip them for at least a month or two prior to your surgery. Cutting back on alcohol especially will reduce your caloric intake and help you lose weight and trim down over time.
5. Get More Exercise
Your physical condition before surgery also matters. The better shape you’re in, the faster and more efficiently your body will heal itself afterwards, so one strategy to prepare for surgery is to squeeze in regular exercise in the months leading up to it.
Consider picking up a gym membership if your doctor approves. There’s no time like before a major surgery to improve your lifestyle for the better with a regular exercise plan. Whenever possible, spend at least six weeks on your new exercise program before your surgery. This is just the right amount of time to create a workout habit rather than a temporary fix.
Depending on what you’re having surgery for, you may or may not be able to exercise with ease. If this is the case, seek the advice of a physiotherapist. Even patients in wheelchairs and those who are bedbound can often do modified exercises to help them stay in shape.
A physiotherapist can also identify useful exercises to strengthen areas of the body that directly impact your surgery, e.g. the muscles surrounding a joint.
If you’re ambulatory, improve your cardio by going on regular walks or swimming. Both are excellent low-impact exercises that burn calories and build muscle strength. Continue to build up your muscles by lifting weights, carrying weights while walking, or performing strength training techniques.
6. Make Plans for After Surgery
To relieve stress and prepare for surgery, make sure you have a plan put in place for after your surgery. This includes having a family member or friend who can drive you home and making sure your home is set up for your return. You want to make sure you have the necessary medical supplies stocked at home to assist you during your recovery. Depending on the surgery, you might want to have a hospital bed in your home for you to use until you’ve fully recovered. Visit your local pharmacist to pick up any medical supplies you might need. Having a plan set in place before you go into surgery will put your mind at ease.
These are just six of many strategies to prepare for surgery. Do you have another strategy that has worked for you in the past? Let us know in the comments below!