The Power of Preparation for Surgery: Getting Your Mind and Body Ready for an Operation and Beyond

The authors have done an excellent job in distilling down the somewhat complex field of "Prehabilitation" (not a typo) research and presenting it in clear, concise and easily digestible chapters.The premise is as follows:The effects of surgery on the body are similar to running a marathon.Most Healthcare systems (not just the NHS) have waiting lists for surgery.In the same way you wouldn't run a marathon in 6 months time without any preparation, you should prepare as best you can for surgery.Using the waiting time for surgery as an opportunity to improve health prior the the surgery is likely to help."Prehabilitation" reduces the risk of immediate and late complications of surgery and improves recovery afterwards.The authors provide examples of physical, dietary and mental preparation amongst others.As a consultant anaesthetist I think this book will be a great help in preparing people for surgery and it is the sort of reading material that should be in every surgical outpatient clinic.

Excellent book for those awaiting surgery and for relatives of those awaiting surgery. A great description of what to expect along with some practical advice and recommendations on how to prepare yourself for surgery. Evidence-based guidelines from experts about prehabilitation. Easy to read and full of useful information.

A really useful , easy to read, comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to prepare for surgery to enhance your chances of a good outcome . I would recommend it to anyone contemplating or awaiting surgery

I bought this book for a family member that was facing into surgery but I had the opportunity to read it before gifting it. I found it contained so many useful tips (how to reduce stress, intermittent fasting, sleep techniques etc) that are beneficial even if not facing surgery. This book covers so many questions that you would have prior to surgery, with real life case studies to make it more personal. A hugely beneficial read to make an anxious time a lot less stressful, and a lot more healthy.

This book will be immensely helpful for anyone who is going for surgery. It will explain and answer alot of the questions that people have and prepare the patient for their journey. Even though these questions should be addressed with the medical team the reality in today’s NHS is that it’s almost impossible to address all the concerns in the limited time allocated to consultations.This book will help you prepare for getting the best possible outcome with life style changes. These include exercise, diet, smoking cessation, mental health improvement and setting up a support network. For me as a doctor myself, the chapteron the actual patient journey and what to expect on the day was particularly welcome. Ever wondered why you had to fast for so longor were told to come in at 7:30am only to wait until midday for your surgery. This book will explain and give you coping strategies. In summary this is essential reading for everyone who is going for surgery.

This books is an absolute must have for any patient that is going to have an operation. It deals with all aspects; from nutrition to sleep to taking you through everything from before, during and after the operation. Any question you may have about having a surgery will be answered. You no longer have to go home and think of questions you wish you would have asked your surgeon during your short consultation when you have a million things running through your mind. I now recommend this book to all my surgical patients. My only qualm was I wish this available when I was a patient getting an operation myself when I was younger! Cannot recommend enough.

As an anaesthetist it would be great if all my patients read this book! Nice concise read of how to prepare physically and psychology for an operation. Some really good examples and take aways - thankyou!

What a fantastic book. Well researched, relevant and easy to navigate. This book has helped me hugely in getting prepared for my upcoming surgery and has given me tips and guidance to improve my general health and lifestyle. I’d recommend it to anyone who has an operation on the horizon or for anyone with a loved one undergoing surgery.

This book's significant strength is its practicality, as it provides inspiring ideas and precise guidance to prepare both the mind and body for surgery. From pre-surgery preparations to post-operative recovery, every aspect of the surgical journey is thoroughly addressed step by step.Furthermore, the book is remarkable for its emphasis on transforming the waiting period into an opportunity for preparedness and empowerment.It encourages readers to make healthier lifestyle choices not only for the immediate surgery but also for their long-term well-being, giving them a sense of power and control over their health.

This book is among the first I have seen that seeks to prepare the reader for the whole experience of surgery and anaesthesia. Starting six or more weeks out, patients are given the tools to address more than the obvious - for in improving their diet, physical fitness and more wholistic wellness, they not only ease the journey through the experience of one or more operations, but also lay the groundwork for sustained enhancements to their lifestyle, which lead to prolonged health span and lifespan.The book introduces the reader to the six pillars of the emerging specialty of lifestyle medicine: physical activity, nutrition, sufficient restorative sleep, stress management, social connection and avoidance of hazardous substances. These pillars are related to specific perioperative risks and the reader is shown how each pillar affects each risk.Due to the individual needs of each patient, while the book comes very close to giving a detailed plan to follow, the authors deliberately leave room for readers to consult their own doctor, dietician or nutritionist, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to tailor a prehabilitation plan just for them. A word of caution for readers though: while all medical advice books responsibly say “consult your own doctor”, it is by no means guaranteed that said doctor will have sufficient knowledge or competence in applying lifestyle changes. This is why the field of lifestyle medicine emerged. So do be selective about which doctor you see (if the health system in your country allows that). Look for credentials in a lifestyle medicine field.I wholeheartedly recommend this book to patients, surgical rooms, perioperative clinics and general practices/family care physicians as a valuable resource in getting the best out of surgery and getting on with their lives.Dr Michael AylingBMedSc MBBS GradDipEc GDipLifestyleMed FANZCA FASLMSpecialist Anaesthetist and Lifestyle Physician

I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking to learn the foundations of surgery. Furthermore, the authors went above and beyond by summarising each chapter with major themes and bulletins, which improves readability and educational value.I am really grateful to the authors for creating such an excellent resource.Their dedication has had a significant impact on my learning experience, and I am convinced that it will continue to serve as an indispensable companion throughout my medical career.

The book "The Power оf Preparation for Surgery: Getting Your Mind and Body Ready for an Operation and Beyond" by Dr. Sunil Kumar and Dr. Toni Brunning іs a comprehensive guide that offers valuable insights and strategies for individuals facing surgery. The authors expertly combine their medical expertise with a holistic approach tо provide readers with a practical roadmap tо prepare themselves mentally and physically for surgery, as well as for the recovery period that follows.One оf the strengths оf this book іs the authors' emphasis оn the mind-body connection and the importance оf mental preparedness іn the surgical process. They highlight the psychological impact оf surgery and offer strategies tо manage stress, anxiety, and fear that often accompany the prospect оf an operation.Furthermore, Dr. Kumar and Dr. Brunning place a strong emphasis оn the role оf nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices іn preparing the body for surgery. They provide practical advice оn how tо optimize one's physical health through proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise, all оf which are essential components іn promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk оf complications. The authors also address the importance оf adequate rest and sleep іn the healing process, underscoring the interconnectedness оf physical health and overall well-being.In addition tо offering guidance оn mental and physical preparation, the book provides valuable information оn how tо communicate effectively with healthcare providers, navigate the healthcare system, and advocate for one's own needs and preferences. By empowering readers with knowledge and tools tо become proactive participants іn their healthcare journey, the authors aim tо demystify the process оf surgery and instill confidence іn individuals facing this significant life event.Overall, "The Power оf Preparation for Surgery" іs a well-researched and practical resource for anyone preparing for surgery, offering a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Sunil Kumar and Dr. Toni Brunning's combined expertise and compassionate approach shine through іn this book, making іt a valuable companion for those seeking tо optimize their surgical experience and set the stage for a successful recovery.

"The Power of Preparation for Surgery: Getting Your Mind and Body Ready for an Operation and Beyond" is an indispensable companion for those navigating the complexities of surgery. Authored by medical experts Dr. Sunil Kumar and Dr. Toni Brunning, the book merges professional knowledge with personal experience, offering practical advice and empathetic insights. Covering everything from pre-surgery preparations to post-operative recovery, it serves as a comprehensive roadmap, alleviating the anxiety often associated with surgical procedures. Dr. Brunning's firsthand encounter with major surgery adds a unique perspective, fostering a sense of understanding and support for readers facing similar challenges.