*Preparing For Surgery - What You Can Do - Surgical Patient Optimization BC (SPOC)
Healthy diet:
Eat a balanced diet with healthy foods that include vegetables, fruit, lean protein, as well as foods rich in iron and calcium.Read More
Activity and exercise:
Exercising and being physically active before surgery is a great way to improve your recovery. For many people, walking 20-30 minutes each day is a good way to get active before surgery. Ask your doctor for advice about your activity level.Read More
If you smoke or use nicotine products, stop:
Smoking or using nicotine products increases your risk of serious complications after surgery. Complications include wound infections, poor healing, pneumonia & heart attack. Odds of success are high if you choose to quit now. Explore the Quit Now ProgramRead More
Alcohol:
Limit alcohol to no more than one drink each day. If you have concerns about limiting alcohol, talk to your doctor.Read More
Possible sleep apnea:
Do you snore loudly or have a large neck or significant fatigue or other possible signs of sleep apnea? Click to take the STOP-BANG sleep apnea self-test.Read More
If you have diabetes:
Make sure your A1C has been checked and is under good control. Surgery may get cancelled if your diabetes is not under good control.Read More
Care for your mental wellbeing:
It is normal to feel nervous or anxious before surgery. Recognizing those feelings & taking steps to create a positive mindset can help you to be prepared for surgery. Steps like starting a gratitude journal, practicing mindful breathing exercises, and getting enough sleep can help improve your mental wellbeing before surgery.Read More