Surgery can be an unexpected speed bump in the highway that is life. Whether it’s a planned operation or an emergency, surgery requires you to slow down and pay attention to your body. Recovery can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you care for your healing body, you’ll find yourself back on the road to health in no time. Read on to uncover strategies for recovering from surgery.
1. Eat Healthy
What you eat following surgery can have an effect on how quickly you heal. It’s important to choose a diet rich in calories, vitamins, minerals, and protein. These key building blocks will provide your body with the strength it needs to recover. They may even decrease your risk of developing complications. Proteins in particular help with healing, as they assist the body in rebuilding tissues, which is necessary after surgery.
Many people resort to eating red meat to get their protein. However, it tends to be bad for your heart because it’s high in saturated fat. Instead, eat lean cuts of red meat or cut off the marbling. Even better, opt for seafood and fish, chicken or turkey (without the skin), or pork. You can also get your fill of protein from foods that aren’t meat, like beans, peanut butter, eggs, and tofu.
Keeping track of the proteins, carbs, and fats you consume post-surgery is a valuable pursuit. These are known as macronutrients, or macros, and knowing what you are eating lends itself to greater health and healing. Utilizing the best macro tracking app can help you know you’re giving your body the foods it needs after surgery.
2. Exercise
Following surgery, you’ll want to ask your doctor about resuming daily activities and exercise. You’ll be informed about which activities to avoid, if any. However, in many cases, exercise of some sort is recommended to get your body back in the habit of movement.
Expect to build up your activity slowly. You probably won’t be able to jump into the same exercise routine you had before surgery, so don’t be disappointed. Instead, begin with simple stretches. If you didn’t exercise prior to surgery, now is a good time to get healthy by devoting regular time for fitness.
Oftentimes following surgery, the patient is given safe stretches and exercises to perform daily or every other day. Physical therapy often helps strengthen the areas affected by surgery. Do the exercises as prescribed by your doctor or therapist, following their instructions on form and number of repetitions. As you gain strength, you may be asked to do more repetitions or add weights. Continue to do your exercises for as long as the doctor recommends. If there are sports or activities you want to resume, speak to your doctor about when and how you can proceed.
3. Rest
While doing exercises and getting your body back into the habit of activity are important, they must be done in moderation. Rest is paramount to a healthy recovery following surgery. You may want to get back into the swing of things and back to your life. However, your body may not be physically ready or able to do so.
You will likely need to take time off work, particularly if your job involves physical labor. However, even if you have a desk job, you’ll still need time off to rest and recover. You probably won’t be able to do some of the chores you’re used to doing, such as cleaning or grocery shopping. You may even be limited in your ability to drive. Now is the time to ask for and accept help from family and friends.
Rest means lying back and relaxing, watching TV, or reading a book. However, it also refers to getting some extra sleep. Following a surgical procedure, your body needs to heal, and the body repairs tissues mostly while you’re asleep. Try to get more sleep than usual. It’s OK to take that afternoon nap or go to bed early. Be sure to get your usual 7-9 hours of sleep at night, as well.
4. Manage Your Mental Health
You should regularly manage your mental health, but even more so following surgery. What many people don’t realize is that their mental well-being affects their physical health. Studies show that stress is associated with slower healing. After an operation, you want to encourage your body to heal, so alleviating stress is essential.
Unfortunately, if you’re facing surgery, you’re in a catch-22. You want to decrease your stress levels, but surgery is worrisome. To ease your anxiety, try stress-relieving activities like focused mindfulness, even breathing techniques, or prayer. Talk to a friend, your doctor, or a counselor to discuss the upcoming surgery and alleviate your fears. Take time before the surgery to enjoy hobbies like gardening, playing video games, or doing whatever you do to relax.
If you find that your anxiety is overwhelming, speak to your doctor or mental healthcare professional about medication. Be sure that they are aware of your upcoming surgery, as some medications cannot be taken with anesthesia. The National Institute of Health reports that most depression medication is safe to take before surgery, and it may ease your worries.
Recovering from Surgery
A successful surgery recovery involves a combination of healthy habits and proactive techniques. By prioritizing self-care and following these essential strategies, you can optimize your recovery process and regain your strength more quickly. Remember, every person’s recovery journey is unique. Listen to your body and work closely with your healthcare team to ensure a safe and successful road to recovery.
