It’s finally here! You’ve scheduled your surgery, and you’re ready to take the next step in your health journey. But before the big day arrives, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. So follow these simple steps and make sure that everything goes smoothly on the day of your surgery!
Eat a Healthy Diet
It is essential to eat a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Eating nutritious foods will help your body recover more quickly after surgery. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. It is also essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drinking eight glasses of water per day is a good rule of thumb. If you are having trouble meeting your fluid goals, talk to your doctor about IV fluids or other ways to ensure that you are getting enough H20.
Avoid Certain Medications
Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If you are unsure whether or not the medicine you are taking is safe to take before surgery, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to advise you on what is best for your individual situation. Stopping certain medications before surgery is essential, but it is also crucial to continue taking others. If you take medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure, or another chronic condition, be sure to take them as prescribed leading up to and after your surgery date. These medications are essential for keeping your body healthy and avoiding complications.
Get Your Home Ready
Recovery from surgery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you will need plenty of rest and relaxation. To make sure that your home is conducive to healing, there are a few things you should do before your surgery date:
- Set up a comfortable recovery area in your bedroom or another quiet space in your home. This should include everything you will need for recovery, such as pillows, blankets, water, snacks, books, etc.
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. You won’t feel like cooking after your surgery, so it’s important to have some quick and healthy options on hand.
- Gather any items you may need, such as extra pillows, a bedside commode, or crutches.
- Make sure someone will be available to help you out around the house for the first few days after your surgery. This includes tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and driving you to appointments.
Preparing your home for surgery may seem like a lot of work, but it is vital to do everything you can to ensure that your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Taking some time to get your home ready before your procedure will pay off in the long run!
Book a Rehab Facility
If you are having major surgery, chances are you will need to stay in a rehabilitation facility for a few days or weeks after your procedure. This is especially true if you are elderly or have other health conditions that may complicate your recovery. When choosing a rehab facility, there are a few things you should keep in mind, like if the place is a skilled nursing facility, the quality of care, and if it is close to your home. It is essential to book a rehab facility as soon as possible after your surgery date because they can fill up quickly. Once you have a few facilities in mind, be sure to tour them and meet with the staff before making your final decision.
These are just a few of the things you need to do to prepare for your surgery. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of your procedure and in the weeks following. Surgery can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be with a bit of preparation.
