Top Five Tips for a Successful Surgery

Surgery can be daunting, but with refined techniques and minimally invasive technology, it has never been safer to go under the knife. With that said, patients must follow certain directions before their surgical procedure to ensure that it is as safe as possible and successful as it can be afterward. These tips are meant to help patients improve their health before surgery or give the surgeon the information they need to best perform the procedure.

Tip 1 – Be Honest With Your Surgeon

First, discuss any medications and supplements you may be taking or any other conditions you may suffer from before your surgery. Sometimes, patients are tempted to omit certain details about their medical state or what they are taking out of embarrassment or concern over their surgeon’s reaction. However, having a complete picture of your medical state helps us perform a more successful surgery. We may also be able to help you get medical care for other conditions you may be experiencing if you haven’t yet seen a doctor.

Tip 2 – Stop Smoking

Smoking is the enemy of a successful surgical procedure. Not only does smoking cause significant issues like cancer and breathing problems, it constricts the blood vessels, increases the risk of a heart problem during surgery, and can increase the risk of infection afterward. Stop smoking as soon as possible once you find out you need surgery. At least six weeks without smoking offers a better chance of avoiding complications.

Tip 3 – Improve Your Dietary Habits

Even losing a small amount of weight can improve some metabolic concerns to the degree that the risk of surgery is reduced dramatically. For surgeries in the abdomen, this is particularly important. We encourage you to replace saturated fats, added sugars, and highly processed white grains with vegetables, whole fruits, and lean meats.

Tip 4 – Ask Questions

While you may think you are somehow bothering or inconveniencing us (you’re not), it’s essential that you go into the surgical process with a clear mind and as little stress as possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking about expectations, success rates, and other important information that puts your mind at ease. While we have data and statistics to support the effectiveness and safety of the procedures we offer, every individual will have a different experience in surgery. We want you to know what to expect and how to best prepare.

Tip 5 – Build a Support Team

Having support from friends and family before your procedure can make postoperative recovery smoother. From determining who will pick you up from the hospital to learning when loved ones can visit, getting your support team together and understanding expectations is important.

It goes without saying that in addition to these five tips, you should follow your pre-and postop instructions carefully. These have been crafted with surgical guidelines and our experience behind them. Of course, if you have any questions before or after surgery, we encourage you to contact our office to learn more about what to do. Knowledge is critical to a successful surgical procedure, so don’t hesitate to reach out.