Preparing for surgery

People with poorly controlled blood sugars (diabetes) are more likely to have complications after surgery related to infection. 

Before your surgery, a routine blood test will be done to check for high blood sugar. You may be contacted by the pre-assessment clinic if the test shows your blood sugar is above normal. 

As soon as you find out you're having surgery, start the process of having your diabetes properly managed to avoid any delays.

Tips to control your blood sugar levels:

• Meet with your family or clinic doctor before your surgery to create a plan
• Avoid sweets, snacks, sweet juices or sugared soft drinks until consulting with a doctor about your results 
• Have a healthcare provider review your current medications 
• Ask your doctor if a diabetes clinic is available in your area 
• Video​​​​​

Exercise will increase your lung capacity and strengthen your bones and muscles before they undergo the stress of a surgical procedure. This will lead to faster recovery and lower your risk for complications. 

You don't need a gym membership, and can start right at home with simple tasks like stretching and walking. 

Tips for being more active before surgery

• Try an app on your phone to help you set goals and track your progress 
• Exercising with people who are a source of support and encouragement. For example: a weekly walk or online class with a friend or loved one
• Pick an activity that will work for you (i.e. swimming, cycling, brisk walking, etc.)​​​​​​ Start slowly and build up your intensity, frequency and duration
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Simple deep breathing exercises will improve your lung health before and after surgery. They can be done in any setting at your leisure.

1. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose, expanding your rib cage, and letting your belly move forward.
2.  Hold for a count 1-2-3 (target for as long as you can). 
3.  Breathe out through your mouth slowly with lips pursed like you are about to whistle.
4.  Repeat a few times a day leading up to your surgery.
    

Surgery is a good opportunity to quit smoking. Prior to surgery if you decide to commit to changing your habits, even by reducing, it will have positive effects on your health. 

Quitting 6-8 weeks from surgery date is ideal however quitting/reducing at any point before surgery will have benefits and reduce your surgical risks.

Strategies to help you quit:

• Contact your primary care provider. They may have smoking cessation support like counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, and education available for you.
•  Speak to a pharmacist regarding available options.
•  Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-000) offers a smoking cessation program for Ontarians. 
•  Visit the KFLA website for more options on local programs and strategies
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Good nutrition will help get your body ready for surgery, heal better after surgery, and fight infection, too. Eating enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals will all help speed your recovery. The goal of protein intake would be 0.7g per pound of ideal body weight (i.e. a 150lb person would strive for 105g).

A sample meal rich in protein would include:

Breakfast (20g)- 1 cup high protein greek yogurt (flavoured is fine), 1/4 cup Kashi granola, handful of raspberries

Lunch (40g) - 1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, cheese, lettuce, mayo/mustard on high protein wrap with an apple

Dinner (40g) - Burger bowl with 1/4 lb extra lean ground beef, air fried cubed potatoes, lettuce, pickles, shredded cheese, onions, and burger sauce

Tips to improve your nutrition before surgery: 

• Eat foods that will help your body heal. Good choices are protein-rich foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.  
• Eat at least three times a day. Don’t skip meals.
• Protein rich snacks include: cheese, jerky, greek yogurt, protein shakes or homemade protein baked goods.
•  Drink at least 6 to 8 eight-ounce cups of fluid each day to stay well hydrated.
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Having an operation is a major event in someone’s life and you may feel anxious about it. It's common for people waiting for surgery to feel overwhelmed, anxious and powerless.

Managing your feelings, encouraging positive thinking and developing your coping skills will have a positive effect on your recovery.

Strategies to help you prepare:

• Talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling.
• Improve your mood by doing something active such as going for a walk, a bike ride or gardening. 
• Distract yourself with something you need to focus on, such as knitting, crossword puzzles, or wordsearches. 

Good quality sleep gives you energy that your body is going to need to heal in the recovery period. It will also help your brain with being alert and improve focus on the daily tasks you need to do to during recovery.

Strategies to help you prepare:

•  Reach out to your primary care provider if you struggle to sleep or find yourself waking up in the night frequently.
•  Going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday
• Creating a bedtime ritual, such as reading a book, taking a bath, practicing relaxation techniques
• Keeping your bedroom dark and quiet

Having surgery means at some point you’re going to require anesthesia and/or opioids to manage your pain. It’s important to understand that the regular use of alcohol and/or drugs can have an impact on how your body tolerates and responds to medications.

 In order to properly plan for your care please inform your health care providers of any substances that you use regularly.

Strategies and resources to prepare

• · Talk to your primary care provider regarding your substance use
• Alcohol - KFL&A Public Health
• Cannabis - KFL&A Public Health
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