How to Prepare for Surgery

Preparing For Surgery

Your efforts to be well prepared for surgery can have a positive impact on your recovery and the overall experience.

Develop a support group

Discuss the surgery with your family and friends.  Review the steps that will need to be in place before and after the procedure.  Don’t be afraid to ask others for help.  Your support group can run errands, take care of children, prepare meals or just be friends to lean on.

Good nutrition and exercise

Make sure you are eating well-balanced, nutritious meals, and exercising daily.  Good nutrition and exercise before surgery may help you recover more quickly.

Get things in order

Run errands, clean your home, stock up on the best movies for a sick day, and pay your bills before the procedure.  After surgery you may need one to six weeks to recover.  Having things in order beforehand will help you eliminate some of the stress post-operation.  Stock your pantry and freezer with healthy foods and drinks so you don’t have to worry about shopping during your recovery.  You can also order meals in advance.  Companies like Spoonful of Comfort allow you to order chicken noodle soup packages and have them shipped directly to your home.  Let them take the worry off your back.

Research

Do a little research about the operation.  Find out what others who have had the surgery and the professionals are saying.  What are their recommendations for dealing with the recovery process?  Those who are well informed are typically more satisfied.

One of the best ways to ensure that you have a positive surgery experience is to be well prepared.  It is important to begin preparing for your procedure as soon as possible!