Health

Preparing for a Surgery

By Nicolas Rivera

January 07, 2020

Surgery

Have you had the experience of going for surgery or witnessing one of your loved ones going for one? Then you understand how that time takes a toll on everyone around you. The financial strain, the emotional stress, and the physical stress you go through may end up affecting your health and chances of recovering. You need to understand what happens during such a period to help prepare. You may not cover all the angles that relate to undertaking surgery, but you can make it easier and more bearable by dealing with the controllable issues. Preparing for surgery becomes smoother by taking care of your body before and after the surgery. Your body can go through some big changes during the surgery process and it needs to be at its best to withstand the operation. If you’re in need of surgery, look into endometriosis Las Vegas GYN robotic surgery where you can rely on being taken care of. It would help if you understood that surgery involves opening up your body and exposing it to risks of infections as well as the need to heal after the surgery. A well-prepared body before surgery increases the chances of surviving the procedure.

Eat Protein

Eating protein weeks before the day of surgery helps to boost immunity and withstand the surgery. It also helps in the wound healing process after the operation. Proteins also assist in building your muscles, and an increase in protein intake will build more muscle to help the body withstand the surgery. It would help if you visited a surgeon to advise on the daily protein intake that is ideal for your body.

Eat Foods Rich in Fiber

Undergoing surgery requires the use of pain killers and hinders you from moving. These result in constipation that may increase discomfort during your recovery period. Having foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and yogurt can help reduce constipation. Hospitals avoid readmission of a patient due to constipation by requiring one bowel movement before discharge. If you take fibers before the surgery, the bowel remains active to prevent constipation; thus, you can secure your release early enough by avoiding delayed bowel movements.

Avoid Processed Foods and Sugars

Eating sugar-rich foods has proven to increase the complications that occur after surgery. It is associated with increasing the rate of infections after surgery and during the healing of the wounds. Therefore, switch to plant-based foods that boost the immune system and help your recovery process. Plant-based diets also reduce the risk of inflammation, thus reducing the risk of infection.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking has the effect of constricting blood vessels and reducing the blood flow through areas close to your skin. Smoking increases the chances of infection, especially at the point of incisions. Lack of blood flow to the incision areas reduces the flow of nutrients to replenish the wounds at the point of incision, thus causing infection. It may also result in fatal complications such as heart attack or stroke resulting in death.

Exercise Before Surgery

Exercise not only keeps the body at a healthy weight but also improves blood circulation. When you exercise before surgery and improve the blood flow, chances of blood clots reduce. Blood clots can have fatal consequences if the clots clog significant organs in the body, such as the heart or brain. It also helps reduce the recovery period.