Knowing how to recover from surgery faster is the best way to get yourself back to health and mitigate its inconvenience.

No-one likes going under the knife.

Besides the mental challenge of surgery and the subsequent short-term pain, the recovery time and process is the biggest down side.

It can range anywhere from a few days to several months and in some rare and complex cases, may even last up to a year.

Hence anything you can do to reduce that time is time well spent.

It also allows you to direct your energy positively by mentally focussing on a worthwhile goal while you are physically compromised.

Here are some basic principles to follow which allow you to recover from surgery faster and will have you back on your feet in no time.

Follow instructions rigidly

It seems like a no-brainer but many people cut corners or even ignore their doctor’s instructions.

This ultimately prolongs their recovery time.

Even with minor procedures, you may be instructed to take a period of time off work to rest.

You could be instructed not to lift anything, not to drive or to avoid sunlight.

These may be frustrating and problematic but they are made for a reason.

Ignoring them risks prolonging your recovery time by reinjuring yourself or even suffering a potentially serious infection. 

Keep moving

Unless advised otherwise, encouraging blood flow with gentle walking is usually extremely helpful.

It promotes circulation and allows nutrients to reach the surgical site.

It also helps the bowels swing into motion and critically aids with the prevention of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia.

A short walk every couple of hours is a great way to guard against these unwanted and dangerous complications.

Eat well

What you put in your mouth in an effort to recover from surgery faster is very important.

A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is at the top of the list.

You also need to drink plenty of water and focus on foods with lots of fibre.

It helps avoid strained bowel movements that may put pressure elsewhere on the body.

Protein is a superfood when it comes to aiding healing so include lean meat, chicken and eggs in your diet.

Yoghurt, which offers probiotics, is another great healer.

The following vitamins and minerals have also proven to be beneficial in hastening the ability to recover from surgery quicker:

  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin C
  • Iron
  • Zinc

Avoid sugary foods that require the body to work overtime while you are in recovery mode.

Pain management

Your surgeon will have organised a pain management regime for you to follow while you recovery from surgery.

Stick to it closely but if you find you are still in discomfort, do not be afraid to reach out for help.

Excessive pain may be a sign that something is wrong.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

These are two of the biggest no-nos following surgery.

Alcohol dehydrates the body while smoking can negatively impact your circulation and breathing, prolonging your recovery time.

Many people actually use surgery as a reason to give up smoking and find the forced break makes it easier to quit for good.

Have a return home plan

Ensure you have family or friends close by who can help you with the most basic of tasks when you return home.

Prepare your home before your operation so it is safe and friendly for your return.

That means removing clutter, potentially rearranging furniture and maybe sleeping on the ground floor if your bedroom is upstairs.

You could also install some night lights around your home. 

Buy some plants

It may seem odd but research has shown that fatigue, anxiety and pain was significantly lower for patients exposed to plants post-surgery.

They were also able to recover from surgery faster.

So buy some flowers or plants for your surrounds and open up your curtains to whatever flora you can spot.

Follow-up appointments

Even if you feel 100 per cent and fully recovered, it is important to meet your post-operative follow-up appointments so you can be given your surgeon’s tick of approval.

There may be areas of concern they identify that you miss, especially when small incisions are involved.

You might also need a blood test to confirm there are no indications of infection. 

Book an appointment

Once you have had your surgery, how quickly you recover is largely up to you.

By following your doctor’s advice to the letter of the law and observing our basic tips, you will be up and about in no time.

Preparation before surgery and understanding the primary factors that promote the body’s recovery are key.

If you have a procedure on the horizon, it’s a great opportunity to chat with your GP to discuss ways you can better prepare for surgery and reduce you recovery time.

At AHA Clinics, professional, friendly GPs can offer some essential pre and post-operative advice that will help keep the entire experience as positive and stress free as possible.

Book an appointment here today at either our Seaford Road Day and Night Clinic or our Seaford Meadows Day and Night Clinic.