Undergoing surgery for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. How will you feel and how will the surgery go? You can put any apprehension aside by remembering these first-surgery tips.
Educate Yourself
Sometimes the biggest reason people worry about surgery is the fear of the unknown. You can calm your nerves a bit, though, by understanding as much as you can about your surgery. For this information, you'll want to talk directly to the surgeon performing the operation.
Sit down with them one-on-one, where you can ask them any question you like about the upcoming surgery. Make sure you find out what general techniques will be used and see what the potential side-effects of the surgery will be. Then if your body acts a certain way after surgery, you'll know what is normal and what could be considered a medical emergency.
Eat Healthy Foods
So that your body handles the surgery well, it's important to maintain a healthy diet leading up to surgery and post-surgery. Try to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and fats. You also need to shy away from processed foods.
Instead, you need to be eating a protein-oriented diet. Protein can give your body fuel throughout your recovery, making it more manageable to deal with. The best way to get protein is to eat lean means, including chicken and fish. It also helps to incorporate leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables into your diet.
Try to Relax
It's pretty common to have some jitters when thinking about your first surgery, but if you're really panicking, you should try some relaxation techniques. For example, meditation leading up to your surgery can put you in the right frame of mind. You can calm your nerves by surrounding yourself in a peaceful environment and performing deep-breathing exercises.
Talking about your surgery with a family or friend can also help you relax. You can vent all of your frustrations and worries about the surgery to another party, all while receiving helping advice that will help you get through surgery day. You might even limit the amount of activities you do leading up to surgery, so your mind and body are calm.
No matter how strong or mentally tough you are, having surgery performed for the first time can be scary. However, when you take this surgical procedure seriously and make the necessary preparations, you can set yourself up for success.
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