Pre-Surgery Tips: Eight Ways to Reduce Your Recovery Time

Undergoing surgery is one thing; recovering from it is another, and can be just as challenging. How much time it takes to recover from surgery will typically depend on the nature of the procedure, ranging from weeks to months. Patients across Texas and beyond often seek guidance on how to prepare their bodies for a smoother healing process.

Fortunately, you can take steps and work closely with your physician to prepare for a post-surgery recovery. Experts at North Texas Plastic Surgery recommend planning ahead to give your body the best chance at healing. If you are scheduled for surgery, below are some ways to increase your chances of a quick, full recovery.

1. Maintain a Healthy Pre-Surgery Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight before the surgery improves your outcomes and also reduces the chances of post-operative complications. Consult with your doctor and a professional dietitian to make sure you have adequate caloric intake and meet your nutritional needs ahead of the surgery to maintain your healthy weight. Being at an appropriate weight also makes anesthesia safer and reduces strain on your body during the procedure.

2. Eat the Required Amount of Protein

The body needs protein, and even more so before surgery, to ensure optimal support of your immune system and to promote wound-healing. Essentially, eating the right amount of protein pre-surgery reduces the time it will take to get you back on your feet. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products.

3. Eat Plant-Based Foods Generously

Plant-based foods play a significant role in the body, providing fiber and lots of healthy nutrients. Some good examples to include in your diet are whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits like berries and bananas. These foods provide phytochemicals that studies show reduce the risk of inflammation and promote proper wound healing. 

4. Steer Clear of Sugary Foods

If you are undergoing surgery, you might want to lay off the sugary foods until further notice. Excessive sugar intake can cause an elevation in the blood glucose levels, reducing healing time and exposing you to infection. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), high blood sugar can impair immune function and delay recovery.

5. Plan for Pain Management

Surgical recovery can come with some pain, although it depends on the procedure you had. While some patients only have a little pain and discomfort, others experience significant pain that sometimes interferes with their functionality. Therefore, before surgery, speak with your doctor about pain expectations. Set a plan with loved ones on how you intend to manage your pain and ensure your environment is optimized with that in mind. 

6. Do Not Smoke or Vape

Surgeries come with a risk of infection, but the risks are higher when the patient smokes or vapes before their surgery. Smoking can impair blood flow and lead to complications such as stroke, heart attack, and even death. Therefore, work with your surgeon to find ways to quit smoking once your surgery has been scheduled. Most doctors recommend stopping at least four weeks before your procedure.

7. Exercise

Exercise not only helps maintain optimal health; it also ensures your body is prepared for surgery. Speak with your surgeon about how often and how intensely you should exercise. It does not have to be vigorous exercise; the goal is to keep your body in shape so that it can bounce back fast post-surgery. Walking, stretching, and light strength training are often recommended.

8. Ask Your Doctors About Your Medications

If you are taking medications to manage any condition, alert your doctors. Your medical team will understand the medication’s potential effect on the surgery and how it should be administered around your surgery.

Stopping medication without consulting your doctor, especially when it is to manage a chronic condition, can have severe consequences, including increased surgical risks. Therefore, do not stop the medication unless instructed by your surgeon or physician.

Conclusion

Dr. Sacha Obaid of North Texas Plastic Surgery advises setting up a strategy with your doctor prior to your procedure to minimize your recovery time. Always pay attention to your doctor’s orders, ask questions, and be sure to provide as much information as possible to ensure a successful surgery.