Surgery is an essential and often necessary procedure. It can be scary to think about going under the knife, but there are ways to prepare yourself so that you are ready for the course. Here are five things you should do before receiving surgery in order to ensure your safety and make sure everything goes according to plan.

Research the Surgeon and the Surgery

Before you receive surgery, you should research both the surgeon and the surgery. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable with the procedure.

To start, look up the surgeon’s credentials and make sure they are qualified to perform your desired surgery. You can find this information online or by asking the surgeon’s office. It is important to feel confident in your surgeon’s abilities so that you can relax during the surgery.

Next, research the actual surgery itself. Understand what will be happening during the procedure and what you can expect afterward. This will help ease any anxiety you may have about the surgery. Reading first-hand accounts from other patients who have undergone similar surgeries can also be helpful.

By taking the time to research both the surgeon and the surgery, you will be more prepared and relaxed going into your own procedure.

Get a Second Opinion

Before you receive surgery, you should always get a second opinion from another doctor. This will help ensure that the first doctor’s diagnosis is correct and that the surgery is necessary. It also allows you to compare surgical options and choose the one that is best for you.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health before having surgery. Smoking increases your risk of complications during and after surgery. It also slows down your body’s ability to heal.

If you’re having trouble quitting smoking on your own, there are many resources available to help you, including:

• Your doctor or surgeon
• Smoking cessation programs
• Nicotine replacement therapies
• Prescription medications

Talk to your doctor or surgeon about which quit-smoking method may be right for you.

Lose Weight

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight before surgery can improve your surgical outcome. Surgery is easier to perform on patients who are of normal weight and the results are often better. If you have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, you may be asked to lose weight before surgery.

Losing just 10-15% of your body weight can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. It can also reduce your risk of complications during and after surgery. If you need to lose weight before surgery, talk to your doctor about the best way to do it. They may recommend changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Manage Your Stress

There are a lot of things that go into preparing for surgery, and managing your stress is one of them. Surgery can be a very stressful experience, so it’s important to do what you can to manage your stress levels before and during the surgery.

Some tips for managing your stress before surgery include:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Taking breaks during the day to relax
• Spending time with friends and family
• Doing relaxation exercises or meditation