There are many changes you can make to reduce the risks of surgery. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce the stress on your heart and lungs. In addition it can help to:
- lower your blood pressure
- improve your blood sugar level
- reduce pain in your joints
- reduce your risk of blood clots after surgery
- reduce your risk of wound infections after surgery
- allow you to exercise more easily.
Who can help me?
Your GP surgery should be able to give you some advice and information on healthy eating, any local weight loss schemes and exercise opportunities in your area. Some councils also have schemes that can support you so it is also worth looking at your local council website or contacting them. NHS Choices can offer useful help.
You may find it helpful to join a weight loss class. In some areas NHS health trainers may be available to help you.
It has been shown that people who improve their lifestyle in the run up to surgery are much more likely to keep up these changes after surgery. This can have a really positive impact on their health in the long term.
Alcohol
Alcohol can have many effects on the body, but importantly it can reduce the liver’s ability to produce the building blocks necessary for healing. Make sure you are drinking within the recommended limits, or lower, to improve your body’s ability to heal after surgery.
Who can help me?
You can find useful information on how to reduce alcohol and the benefits to you on NHS Choices. Also see the Drink Aware website.
Smoking
Stopping smoking is hard, but the good news is that quitting or cutting down shortly before surgery can reduce length of stay in hospital, improve wound healing and lung function. Preparing for surgery offers a real opportunity to commit to stopping smoking.
Who can help me?
- Your GP practice will be able to offer help in reducing or stopping smoking, so ask them about the best options for you.
- There may be charities or support groups in your local area.
- Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a public health charity that works to reduce the harm caused by smoking. They have helpful advice on quitting.