Activity
Updated 30 September 2022
Having surgery can have similar effects on your body to running a marathon so the fitter you are before you have your surgery, the easier your body will be able to cope with it.
Anything you do to increase your fitness before surgery will help your recovery afterwards. Increasing your activity levels can reduce your chance of developing a complication by up to 50%.
For example:
- try and increase the distance that you walk each day (use a pedometer, smart phone or app to track your steps) and try and aim for 10,000 steps a day
- take the stairs rather than the lift
- make your housework more energetic
- practice the bed and chair exercises (it will be good practice to familiarise yourself with these so you know how to do them after your operation)
- seek further support by emailing DorsetPrehabClinic@dchft.nhs.uk or visit LiveWell Dorset
- if you regularly attend a gym, speak to your exercise instructor who can modify your routine.
ANY increase in physical activity makes a difference but choose realistic goals for yourself and choose something you enjoy.
Whatever you choose to do, the activity should be enough to get you a little out of breath and/or feel your heart rate increase and/or get a little sweaty.