{"id":1122,"date":"2026-04-20T11:18:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/preparingforsurgery\/?page_id=1122"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:47:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:47:31","slug":"at-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/preparingforsurgery\/st-johns-hospital\/at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"At Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Helping Hand<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Recovering from surgery puts a physical strain on your body. It is important to keep moving to improve your recovery and get plenty of rest as well. It is likely you will be more tired than usual. This is where extra help from friends and family can be very important. It may be worth making arrangements with friends and family beforehand to help with day-to-day tasks. This might include getting help with looking after children, elderly relatives or pets, or help with shopping and cooking after you get home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating and Drinking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After surgery, you should aim to eat a healthy balanced diet to provide the energy and nutrients your body needs to recover. You should also keep yourself well hydrated. You may find that your appetite is reduced. It may be easier to eat and drink small amounts more often. You may find foods affect you differently. Introducing foods gradually in small portions can help identify any which cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowel Habit<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon to become constipated after surgery, some pain killers can make this worse. Try to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n