|
|
 |
| Preparing for Elective Surgery |
|
 |
Elective surgery differs from emergency surgery or a surgery that results from a medical condition mainly in that with elective surgery you have time to prepare for the procedure. Preparation includes doing lots of research on the type of surgery you're having, spending time consulting with potential doctors in order to choose the one who is best suited to your individual needs and doing all you can to be as healthy as possible before the surgical procedure takes place.
Getting Physically Fit for Surgery
When it comes to getting physically fit, the best place to start before actually having cosmetic surgery is talking with the doctor who will be performing the procedure. Recommendations for preparing for any kind of surgery vary by the actual procedure; however, there are several general things you, as a patient, can do before surgery, which will be beneficial both during and after the procedure.
If you are planning on having a liposuction procedure and you are over your normal or ideal weight range, you'll want to begin preparing for the surgery by losing weight. Since liposuction is a method used to contour the body, not a method for weight reduction, it is important that you be as close as possible to your normal or ideal weight before having the procedure. Your goal weight should be determined based on your height and individual body type. The best way to achieve your normal or ideal weight is to eat a well-balanced diet while controlling your daily calorie intake and following a regular exercise routine that includes both cardio (aerobic) conditioning and strength training. Experts agree that a healthy diet is one that results in your losing about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds a week.
However, there are some exceptions. Some people find that after dieting and exercising regularly for about three months, they might reach what has been called a "set-point," usually somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds above their ideal weight. In addition, there are those people who reach a point where losing more weight may cause them to start looking gaunt in their face and upper body while experiencing no change in their hips, thighs, or tummies. For these people, doctors may perform the liposuction procedure even though all of the recommended weight has not been lost.
Can I Exercise After Surgery?
Your doctor will tell you when it is best for you to begin exercising following your procedure. Individual recommendations depend on the surgery you had and your personal condition. For example, after liposuction procedures, since increased blood flow may delay healing, the usual recommendation is that you wait two weeks following the procedure before you go back to exercising. However, if there are still signs of bruising at the two week period, your doctor may recommend that you wait one additional week before getting back into your exercise routine. The thing to remember is that you should not start exercising until you have the go-ahead from the doctor who performed the surgery.
Once you get an okay to begin exercising, in most cases, you can pick up where you left off before the surgery. One exception to this applies to those people who exercise or workout at heavy or extreme levels such as long distance runners, heavy weight lifters and body builders. If you fall into this category, be sure to talk with your doctor before and following the surgery, so you can develop a plan that will progressively step you back into your normal exercise routine.
Nutrition and Surgery - What Do I Need to Know?
The best way to prepare for any surgery is to eat a diet that is well balanced, including a variety of foods from all of the basic food groups. Eating a diet of this type helps assure you of not being deficient in any vitamins and minerals, which could affect the outcome of your surgery.
While most cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures will not have a long-lasting effect on your appetite following the surgery, it might be a good idea to be prepared just in case you are one of the few whose appetite is affected. For some people, general anesthesia can cause a loss of appetite and even nausea.
While these symptoms are usually short-lived, lasting about one to two days for most people, there are steps you can take to help minimize nausea if it does appear:
- Eat a number of small meals every few hours, instead of three large meals.
- Eat slowly and chew foods carefully.
- Try resting or lying down after eating.
- Eat a cracker or a piece of dry toast before getting up.
- Drink cool clear fluids between meals and sip slowly.
- Drink only small amounts of fluids with each meal to reduce feelings of fullness.
- Eat dry foods that are easily digested, such as crackers, toast and dry cereal.
- Eat foods that are mildly flavored.
- Eat soft, bland foods such as rice, soft-cooked eggs, fruit nectars, and custards.
- Avoid fried, greasy or high-fat foods.
If you find that your nausea does not disappear after a day or two, be sure to call your doctor. Together you can work out a solution to this uncomfortable, but temporary, situation. Once your appetite has returned to normal, remember that eating healthy is something that you should do for life. Don't fall back into old habits - take this opportunity to continue with the healthy life choices you made in preparation for your surgical procedure!
What About Smoking and Facial Surgery?
This one's easy - don't smoke, especially if you are having any kind of facial surgery. Since smoking causes constriction of your blood vessels, especially in your face, smoking before and after having any type of facial surgery may cause problems with healing. If you do smoke, you should quit all together, for general health reasons. But, if that is not an option, you should stop smoking at least six months before you have your facial surgery. If you do choose to quit smoking for good, it's also best to do it six months before your surgery.
In General…
There are several things your doctor will suggest you do to prepare for your specific surgery. Along with being physically fit, you'll receive a list of things to do or not to do before the procedure. These may include not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your surgery, which is the recommendation before having a procedure that requires general anesthesia.
If you are having any kind of laser procedure or surgery, it is important that you do not have any sun exposure - this means no tan and no sunburn. Your doctor will discuss the ways for you to prepare for surgery -make sure you understand all of the recommendations so you can follow them properly.
Being Physically Ready Has Its Rewards
By following the suggestions here, as well as those of your doctor, not only will you be as healthy and physically fit as possible before your surgery, you'll be doing all you can to help make your surgical experience and recovery easier and more pleasant.
Most importantly, remember that your doctor and staff are your partners in this - so you should feel comfortable talking to them whenever the need arises. Being confident in your choice of doctors and staff, along with knowing all you can about the procedure and what to expect before, during and after will help assure that you get the result you want.
|
|
|
|
