Whilst you are waiting for your operation, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk, and help you recover quicker. This is called pre-optimisation. It is a bit like training for a running race – the more work you put in beforehand, the better you will cope with your operation.
If you are a smoker, you must stop smoking. It will be the single most important thing that you do to improve your health. There is strong evidence to show that smoking impairs blood flow to your healing wound. Hernia repair is likely to fail if you continue to smoke.
Whilst this may seem daunting, there is support to help you with this. Most people will try to quit with will power alone. We know from experience that nicotine replacement (patches, gum etc) in tandem with willpower, improves success at stopping smoking.
If you are diabetic, it is really important that this is as well controlled as possible. Uncontrolled diabetes makes you susceptible to infection, and at increased risk of wound complications. Talk to your diabetes nurse or GP to make sure you are in the best possible shape for surgery. You may need dietary or medication adjustments.
If you are overweight, then you are at increased risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, poor wound healing, prolonged hospital stay, and much higher risk of the hernia coming back.
- Having a hernia can make exercise difficult, but some exercises will be better tailored to your abilities and fitness. Some people may find that joining a club such as “Weight Watchers” or “Slimming World” can help support them through this journey, offering weekly support.
- Walking is a superb way to get more active and burn calories. Most phones or smartwatches will have a step counter. Keep a record, and then try to beat it the next time you go out. Aiming for 5000 steps a day is often achievable, but adjust this to what you can manage. If you find this easy, aim for more.
- Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, so cutting back on the amount you drink can really help to reduce your calorie intake.
Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money. If you drink nearly every day, drinking less will lower your risk of having high blood pressure.
- Try switching to drinks that are lower in alcohol. As a rule of thumb, white and rose wines are lower in strength than reds. Try lighter beers, under 4%. Or try swapping some of your drinks for no or low-alcohol alternatives.
- It might take a bit of time to get used to the change from your usual choices, so if you notice a difference in taste with lower-strength drinks, do not give up! There are so many options, it's likely there's one out there for you – and switching means you can enjoy the health benefits of drinking less without losing your social life.
- Use the “Drink Free Days” app to set yourself a weekly unit target and stick to it. But if one week you do go over your limit, don't stop trying – next week is a fresh start.
- Going for drinks is not the only way to see friends. You could watch a film, meet up for breakfast, grab a coffee and go for a walk, go bowling, head to the gym or sign up for a class to do together, for instance.
- Sticking to a budgeted amount for alcohol can be a good way to drink less. If you are going out, try taking only the exact cash, or set up a spending alert on your card.
- Waiting for your evening meal before you have a drink – and having your first only once you've started eating – is another simple way to help you cut down.
- Being involved in rounds makes it easy to end up drinking more than you meant. Try to avoid them if you can, and do not feel like you have to say yes to a drink just because someone else is buying. There's always next time.
- If a drink is a way you handle boredom or stress, try finding something else to do instead. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and simple things like cleaning, a new hobby or DIY can be a good way to occupy mind and body.
If you have specific questions, please ask your healthcare team.
There are also many forums online to help answer questions you might have. Some of our patients have recommended a Facebook page called ‘Hernia patients support group’ where you can find peer support from other people undergoing similar surgery to you.
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