Recovery after a major surgery can often feel like a bumpy ride, full of ups and downs. Whether it’s an appendectomy or an 8-point lift, recovering from a major surgery can be rough.

Although most surgeries have a specific recovery time bracket, it could take longer if you’re unprepared or indulge in behaviours that cause strain during the recovery period.

On the other hand, planning your post-surgery recovery plan early ensures that the healing process is smoother. When you leave the hospital, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re doing everything within your power to enable a quick recovery.

Being prepared not only involves knowing what to do physically but also adopting the appropriate mindset and creating realistic plans. By identifying possible obstacles and proactively addressing them, you can reduce setbacks and expedite your recovery process.

In this article, I have curated a list of five ways to get you back on track after a major surgery.

Let’s get started!

1. Work on Your Self Confidence 

After a major operation, it’s normal to experience low self-confidence and self-doubt. The difficulties in managing post-operative pain, social isolation, side effects, and disregard for self-care can all have an impact on you. 

Yet, working on your confidence is as important as physical recovery. Explore different strategies to improve your self-confidence like practising self-affirmations, setting achievable goals, seeking support from loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. 

Another impactful strategy to overcome self-doubt is confidence hypnosis. Hypnosis is an age-old technique that uses guided imagery and positive suggestions to reframe negative thought patterns, promoting self-assurance. Through repeated sessions, it can empower you to confront your fears and enhance your self-worth. 

2. Stick to Your Medication Schedule 

It is essential to follow your doctor’s prescription after surgery. Some people avoid taking medications for fear of side effects or addiction. 

However, postoperative medication speeds up your healing and prevents complications. On the other side, there’s a good probability that your recovery will take longer if you don’t follow the medication schedule.

While you can quit taking medication after the critical recovery phase, give your body time to heal itself entirely first. Taking your medicine as prescribed will maximise your chances of a speedy and painless recovery.

3. Plan and Prep Your Meals in Advance 

Nutritious and home-cooked meals after surgery can do wonders for your recovery process. On the other hand, skipping meals or eating junk food will do you more harm than good. Advanced meal planning and preparation will enable you to get those much-needed nutrients post-surgery. 

Consult your physician to understand your nutritional requirements, then modify your diet plan accordingly. Keep the meals simple and sweet, don’t go overboard by cooking elaborate meals. 

Some meals can even be prepared in advance and frozen, so all you have to do is defrost and reheat them. Following surgery, it’s normal to feel less hungry, but you should still eat every day to give your body the nourishment it needs to heal completely. Planning and preparing your meals ahead of time will ensure that you get the nutrition you need while you get better.

4. Do Not Smoke or Drink

Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption if you want your wounds to heal quickly following your surgery. Your body requires all the help it can get after a major operation so that it can mend. In this case, allowing alcohol or tobacco to enter your body could hinder the healing process.

Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which is known to dilate the blood vessels. Narrowed blood vessels mean limited blood flow, which can provide insufficient blood supply to the surgical site, slowing down the healing process.

Similarly, drinking alcohol causes your body to become dehydrated and compromises your immune system. This causes the danger of infection to increase, especially if you do not have enough water in your body. 

5. Ask for Support From Friends or Family

Recovering from a major surgery can be both mentally and physically taxing. Never underestimate the power of support that friends and family may provide during this trying time.

Ask for assistance when you need it rather than trying to get by on your own. Having a loved one around can have an enormous effect. They can provide support with daily tasks like meal preparation and housework or simply offer you some company.

Strong social networks can reduce recovery times and speed up healing. Don’t be afraid to rely on your support system, they are there to help you throughout this difficult period.

To Sum It Up 

All the tips discussed above will get you back on track in no time. In addition to this, pay attention to the signs your body shows during the recovery process. 

If your body is reacting differently or your wounds are not healing, consult a doctor immediately.