6 Things You Can Do to Prep for Major Surgery

Aside from being a stressful time, major surgery also comes with many things to do and remember. For example, you might have to follow certain procedures in the lead-up to your operation and follow strict rules afterward.

Getting ready for major surgery may seem like a big task, but if you prepare yourself effectively, the operation and recovery process becomes much more manageable. Major surgery is never a nice thought, but it can be more accessible with the proper preparations.

You can do plenty of things to make the process much easier for yourself and the health team that looks after you. In today’s post, we will show you six things you can do to prepare for major surgery.

1. Get Plenty of Rest in the Weeks Leading Up to Surgery

One of the best things you can do in the weeks that lead up to your operation is to ensure you get plenty of rest. Resting is beneficial for several reasons, but the main one has to be that it can help relieve any nervousness or anxiety you feel.

There’s nothing wrong with feeling anxious or nervous in the build-up to major surgery; it’s expected. However, going into surgery feeling relaxed, comfortable, and refreshed will make you less stressed.

Taking things easier before major surgery also avoids any other problems. While you can still exercise daily, avoiding extreme or heavy lifting is a good idea. The last thing you want is to injure yourself before your operation.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions for Taking Care of Yourself Before and After Surgery

It is vitally important that you follow the instructions set out by your doctor to the best of your ability. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed set of instructions and rules you have to follow before and after surgery. They have done this for a reason, so follow them.

Especially after surgery, your doctor’s instructions are designed to help you recover properly. If they go unfollowed, you could do yourself severe damage.

Instructions your doctor might set include the amount of food and drink to consume, how much sleep to get, and which drugs to take before and after surgery.

3. Make Sure You Have All the Supplies You Need, Including Prescriptions, Ice Packs, and Compression Bandages

Making sure you have all the essential supplies you’ll need after surgery is a great way to make the recovery process more manageable. After surgery, you might not be able to move much, so having everything at your disposal ensures you can rest and recover easily.

Preparing your essentials in advance will also make it easier for your family as they won’t have to run around finding things you need.

When it comes to this step, never be afraid to ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor will gladly give you a list of everything you need. There’s a good chance they’ll help find some of them for you too.

We recommend making a list and checking it off when you have each item you need. That way, you won’t forget anything.

4. Stock Up on Healthy Foods That Will Be Easy to Prepare After Surgery

After surgery, simple things like cooking can become much more challenging, if not impossible. Therefore, it is vital to stock up on healthy foods you can easily prepare before you go into surgery.

Then, when you return home, you won’t have to worry about getting something to eat. A recommended approach is to choose foods that can be prepared quickly and easily without the need for too many kitchen appliances.

Keeping healthy snacks nearby is a good idea too. Some good examples of foods you could stock up on include:

• Eggs
• Smoothies
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Soups
• Lean meats
• Cereal Bars

5. Ask A Friend or Family Member to Help Out with Cooking and Cleaning in the Weeks Following Surgery

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from family and friends before or after major surgery. We strongly recommend asking for help beforehand. Particularly after surgery, you will most likely need help doing simple things like cooking and cleaning.

If you have any friends or family members who are willing to help, take the help. The less you have to do after the surgery, the easier and quicker recovery will be. Getting someone to cook fresh, healthy meals is also a great way to ensure you keep eating healthy.

On top of that, having someone to talk to is always nice.

6. Make Time for Relaxation and Self-Care in Your Post-Surgery Schedule

Finally, you should ensure plenty of time for relaxation and self-care after your operation. Your post-surgery schedule should be centered solely around your recovery and rest.

Relaxing is a big part of recovery as it can help you take your mind off any discomfort and boredom you might be experiencing. Good ways to relax after surgery include simple things like listening to music, reading a book, watching a movie, or playing games with friends and family.

You should also ensure you leave plenty of time to care for yourself. Always eat on time, take medication correctly, and wash if possible.

Final Thoughts

While significant surgery can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, by planning ahead and taking the proper steps to prepare, you can reduce any stress and be more relaxed.  One of the best things you can do is to never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Assistance is available, so take advantage of it. Now that you have this checklist in hand, you can start preparing for your major surgery with confidence.