Planning for Surgery

Before Surgery There are a number of things you can do to prepare for your surgery. Taking the proper steps prior to your surgery can have a significant impact on your recovery.
Nutrition: A healthy, balanced diet is important, as the body uses food for fuel and to repair itself. Good nutrition in the weeks prior to your surgery will aid in the healing process and keep your immune system healthy, decreasing the chance of infection.
Eating right will also give you the extra-added energy you will need to recover. Being overweight can also have an adverse effect on your surgery. Excess weight can place unnecessary stress on the spine, which can hinder the healing process and increase post-operative pain. In addition, being overweight can make the surgery more technically difficult. A healthy diet and moderate exercise are the best ways to shed those additional pounds. Of course, having back problems can make exercise difficult. Back pain can limit mobility and lead to a sedentary life-style. Ask your doctor for specific instructions regarding the type of exercise, if any, you are allowed to participate in. Drastic weight loss before a surgery can be dangerous. Instead, a carefully planned weight reduction program will help you achieve results in a healthy, more realistic manner. Losing that excess weight really will have a positive effect on your recovery and overall health.
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