As you get closer to your surgery date, you can start gathering everything you need to bring to the hospital on the day of your surgery.
Please click here to download a checklist of what to bring to hospital.
Here are some recommendations to help make your laparotomy and recovery as smooth as possible:
Be active
Being active prior to surgery will enable a quicker recovery following any procedure. If you don’t exercise regularly, try adding 15 minutes of light activity per day (e.g. walking or jogging) to your routine.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, try to stop at least 4 weeks before your surgery as this can help reduce your risk for lung problems. You can discuss nicotine replacement with your physician as a way to reduce your smoking.
Iron treatments
If your doctor recommends iron supplements, it is important to take these in the weeks leading up to surgery to ensure your red blood cell levels (Hemoglobin) are optimized.
Arrange transportation
It is helpful to arrange your ride home in advance.
Home preparations
It can be helpful to have friends and family nearby to help you out after surgery. Advance meal preparation may make your recover easier.