After undergoing a surgical procedure, it will take some time to get back to your usual strength and fitness level. If you are accustomed to working out a lot, being weaker than you usually are after surgery can be frustrating. Here are seven things you can do to get fit faster after your operation:
1. Have A Routine
Although having an operation can make you feel more tired than usual, staying in bed all day after surgery will not benefit your mental or physical health at all. Instead of lounging around after your surgery, establish a set routine. For example, it is wise to get up at the same time each day, have breakfast, then try to get out for a gentle walk. If you feel extra tired, you can always have a nap in the afternoon.
2. Do Not Overdo It
Whatever you do to get fit again after surgery, do not overdo things by exercising too much too soon. After your surgery, your healthcare provider will have given you some advice about the things you can and cannot do during the recovery process. For instance, they may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise for the next few weeks. You must follow this advice if you want a straightforward recovery without problems. Ignoring your surgeon’s recommendations can make your recovery take longer than it should.
3. Eat Healthily
When you recover after surgery, you will not be able to move around as much as usual for a while. Because you are less physically active, you will burn fewer calories each day. It is sensible to watch your calories to avoid gaining weight after surgery. That does not mean you should weigh everything you eat and check the exact calorie content. There is no need to be too strict with yourself. However, you should at least try to ensure the food you eat is healthy and low in calories. Fruit, and vegetables are your best friends while recuperating after a surgical procedure.
4. Gentle Walks
After a few days, you might want to start going for gentle but regular walks. When you walk, it encourages the blood to flow around your body. Increased blood flow leads to faster wound healing. Walking also leads to peristalsis in the bowels, helping you go to the bathroom. Thus, it is wise to go for a little walk if you have constipation because of your surgery. Additionally, walking after surgery will help you avoid blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and chest infections such as pneumonia.
5. Swimming
You should not go swimming before your surgical wound or wounds heal. The time this takes depends on the type of surgery you had. However, once your wounds are healed, swimming is an excellent exercise for anyone wishing to return to their usual fitness level after an operation. Because you remain buoyant when swimming, you place less strain on your body during exercise. This reduced strain means your joints and muscles are less likely to get inflamed. Thus, exercising will not be as painful for you.
6. Focus On Muscle Groups That Are Not Near the Surgery Site
It is not sensible to start a vigorous exercise routine for at least a couple of months after surgery. Indeed, you might even have to wait up to six months before you can do any strenuous exercise, depending on what type of surgery you had. Once your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead to start doing resistance workouts again, start small. Do not try to lift too much. First, focus on the muscle groups furthest away from the surgery site. For instance, if you had surgery on your knee, start exercising your arms, back, and chest first.
7. Stay Positive
If you focus on your physical limitations after having surgery, it might make you feel depressed. Instead of thinking about your physical limitations, try to focus on what you can do and celebrate each milestone of your recovery when it occurs. If you focus on each step of your recovery you will enjoy better mental health. Think slow yet steady.
If you keep the things you have read today in mind as you get better after surgery, your recovery will be slow yet steady. Before you know it, you will be fully recovered and able to do the things you did before your operation, allowing you to live your best life again.
