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How to Prepare For Surgery

Contributor
By Marina Hanes
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Mentally and physically preparing your body for surgery is beneficial. Proper preparation can help reduce infection as well as get you smoothly onto the road of recovery.

From Quick Guide: Having Surgeries
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

    How to Prepare for Surgery

  1. Step 1

    Start meditating a week or more before the surgery. This will calm your mind and enable you to focus on the well being of your body.

  2. Step 2

    Advise friends and family that you will be having surgery. If you will need someone to pick you up after surgery, schedule this in advance and confirm with the person the day before the surgery. If you are being hospitalized, give your friend or family member a key to your house so they can pick up your mail and check on any pets you may have.

  3. Step 3

    Complete a living will. This will provide instructions on what should be done if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. While it's not pleasant to think of the possible complications that could occur during surgery, it's better to be prepared. Living wills can be completed online. Keep a copy in your house as well as provide a copy to someone you trust.

  4. Step 4

    If you have children, you might also want to double check that your will (regarding your assets) is updated to consider them.

  5. Step 5

    Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water at least a week before surgery. Light exercise such as walking is good, too. Be aware that certain surgeries require you to fast 24 hours before hand.

Tips & Warnings
  • Wear comfortable clothes to your surgery.
  • Remove all nail polish and makeup prior to your surgery.
  • If your doctor has provided a regimen of preparation before surgery, follow it.
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