Many of us think that the success of the surgery depends largely on the surgeon. While your surgical team definitely plays a central role, your part is just as vital as theirs.
As a patient, it’s very important to know things you can do to prepare before and after surgery to be prepared can help in alleviating your anxiety and can contribute to the overall success of your procedure.
Although each procedure calls for different protocols, there are important preparations you need to make before any surgery. The surgeons of Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, recommend the following:
1. Quitting smoking
If you are a smoker, this is the best time to quit the habit. Smoking can create a lot of complications during and after surgery. It increases your risk of lung issues and difficulty breathing during and after surgery. Smoking also reduces the blood flow, which can slow down wound healing and consequently, increase your risk of wound infection.
It may be hard to believe, but quitting smoking even the day before the surgery can lower your risk of complications. When you quit, your body starts to heal and your heart and lungs begin to work better.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight
Just like with smoking, obesity can increase your risk of complications during and after surgery. It places you at risk for anesthesia-related complications, delayed wound healing, and cardiovascular problems.
If you are obese, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine how much weight you should lose and how long you have until surgery date. Depending on how much weight you need to lose, you may need the services of a nutritionist to help you with your eating plan.
3. Creating a checklist for the things you need after surgery
Whether it’s rehab, food, or day-to-day support, having a checklist and getting everything prepared even before your surgery can save you from unnecessary stress. As much as possible, have this list ready weeks before your scheduled procedure.
Our experts at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, want you to know that although surgery can be stressful both physically and mentally, being prepared won’t make everything easy, can help ease your mind. And that’s something that can make a difference in your recovery.
Reference:
https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/preparing-for-surgery/risks/smoking/