*Preparing For Surgery - What You Can Do - Surgical Patient Optimization BC (SPOC)

There are important steps you can take right now that will help to ensure the best possible result of your surgery. Focus on the things you can do to be as strong & healthy as possible.

Healthy diet:

Eat a balanced diet with healthy foods that include vegetables, fruit, lean protein, as well as foods rich in iron and calcium.
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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.
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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 Program
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Alcohol:

Limit alcohol to no more than one drink each day. If you have concerns about limiting alcohol, talk to your doctor.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Support:

You may need help for a few days or weeks with things like laundry, cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping and you might need someone to help look after people or pets in your care. Consider making some meals in advance. Try to make plans beforehand. Watch this Video about Social Supports.