How to Recover Faster After Surgery

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After a surgery, your main concern is to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. Recovery often takes a while, though, and it can keep you at home and off your feet for longer than you’d like. If you currently face a long healing process, check out these tips for how to recover faster after surgery. Take care of yourself, so you’re back to your maximum health quickly.

Listen to Your Doctor

This advice might seem obvious, but it’s vital to your recovery and healing process. Pay attention to everything your doctor tells you before and after surgery. If they provide any written information—such as pamphlets or checklists—keep it somewhere accessible and refer back to it. Consult with your doctor about when you can go back to work, start exercising, or take any medications. Your doctor can answer your questions and concerns, and they should be your primary resource when it comes to all things regarding your recovery. 

Diet and Hydration

Maintaining your overall health will do wonders for you when it comes to your recovery process. Staying hydrated and eating the right foods will boost your immune system and give you the energy you need for a successful recovery. While eating after a surgery can pose some challenges—nausea and other discomforts might take away your appetite—your body needs energy to heal, so it’s important to keep up with meals. 

Rest Well

One of the best ways to recover faster after surgery is to get plenty of good quality rest. While post-surgical pain might cause an issue, there are a few ways you can get more comfortable and help yourself sleep better. Ahead of the surgery, make sure your bedroom—or living room if it’s more comfortable to sleep in a chair—is set up for you. Having water, medicine, and plenty of pillows within reach will give you everything you need. Your doctor might also prescribe compression gear to help reduce pain and swelling, so you can rest more comfortably.

Be Active

Once you have your doctor’s approval to start more physical activity, get up and get moving. Light exercises, or even short walks, boost your blood flow and help reduce swelling and chances for blood clots. Being active also helps your immune system and energy levels, which gives your body a better chance of fighting off infections or other potential post-surgery complications. 

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