Tips for Better Recovery after Surgery 

There are several tips that patients can follow to encourage a swift and effective recovery after surgery. A postoperative patient may be impatient to return to their normal lifestyle, but it is important to remember that the quality of one’s recovery will heavily impact the efficiency of one’s return to baseline—making it important as such not to push too hard too soon (1). Several post-surgery tips can make sure that you heal quickly and properly after your procedure (2). 

First, it’s important to read your postoperative discharge instructions carefully, making sure you understand every word and calling your physician’s office with any questions. Following your physician’s explicit instructions for postoperative care, including wound care, medication prescriptions, and physical activity restrictions is also important (3). 

You should allow yourself sufficient time to rest and recover, avoiding strenuous activity and getting enough sleep. Trying to do too much too quickly can be actively harmful to your recovery process. In addition, eating a healthy and balanced diet helps provide the body with the nutrients it needs to promote healing (4).  Another important tip for recovery after surgery is to make sure to drink lots of water and other fluids to keep your body hydrated. 

After the immediate postoperative period, which varies in length depending on the surgery and your condition, you should try to walk at least a few times a day, even if just a short stroll. Movement can help prevent serious complications such as blood clots, all the while helping prevent constipation, which may be a side-effect of anesthesia. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities, such as jogging and fitness classes, until obtaining full clearance from the clinical team. Swimming should also be avoided until a wound is entirely healed (4). 

If a doctor has prescribed pain medication, it is important to take it as prescribed in order to best manage pain (1). Also, stress can slow down the healing process. A useful tip for recovery after surgery is to minimize sources of stress during the recovery period. If possible, having friends or family to help you until you regain mobility and strength can be a great option. 

In terms of other behaviors to avoid, smoking increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen, and increases cardiovascular stress. Quitting smoking is the best option for recovery (5). However, if that isn’t feasible, doing your best to avoid smoking until after you are recovered is the next best option. 

According to the American College of Surgeons, patients over the age of 65 have significantly higher rates of both inpatient and outpatient procedures—accounting for one-third of all surgical cases. As such, the American College of Surgeons and American Geriatrics Society jointly established best practice guidelines to guide the preoperative assessment of geriatric surgical patients (6). This is to include a thorough preoperative screening by a team of clinicians, including in the form of a physical exam and history, screening for depression, alcohol, or other substance use, and a cardiac evaluation (5). If you are an older surgical patient, you should discuss any special considerations before and after surgery with your doctor. 

Every individual’s recovery follows its own unique course, and every patient must listen closely to their body and take recovery slowly, in stride. You should attend any follow-up appointments with your physician in order to ensure that you are healing properly. It is also critical to communicate any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider. Overall, following these tips after surgery is sure to help your recovery and help you return more rapidly to normal life. 

References 

1. 8 Mistakes After Surgery That Slow Your Recovery [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 16]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/rehab-mistakes 

2. Brown JK, Singh K, Dumitru R, Chan E, Kim MP. The Benefits of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programs and Their Application in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Methodist DeBakey cardiovascular journal. 2018. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-14-2-77 

3. 10 Ways To Improve Your Recovery After Surgery [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 16]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/post-surgery-recovery-tips-and-guide-3156833 

4. 5 Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Surgery | UNC Health Talk [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 16]. Available from: https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/5-tips-for-a-smooth-recovery-after-surgery/ 

5. Tips for Recovering From Surgery | U.S. News [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 16]. Available from: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery 

6. OPTIMAL PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE GERIATRIC PATIENT: Best Practices Guideline from ACS NSQIP ® /American Geriatrics Society.