General surgery (6) Posts

One of the most common concerns among people having surgery is what to expect during recovery. The length of recovery differs from patient to patient and from procedure to procedure, however there are things anyone can do to help make the surgery recovery process smoother. Follow these surgery recovery tips and you’ll improve your chances of a healthy, strong recovery.

Four tips for a stronger recovery from surgery 

1. Follow instructions 

   This might seem too obvious to state but all too often we see people with post-surgery complications simply because they didn’t follow instructions. They lifted something heavier than recommended. They stopped taking pain medication and/or antibiotics too soon. They didn’t follow through with therapy exercises. Even if you start feeling better, it’s important to carry out your doctor’s instructions all the way through to make sure you keep feeling better. And while we’re giving instructions - make sure you don’t skip follow-up appointments.

2. Watch what you eat and drink

   What you eat and drink can have a big impact on your recovery process. Your body needs calories and nutrients to fight off infection, speed healing and regain strength. Your doctor will likely give you a post-surgery diet, and it’s important to follow it. The foods listed there have been carefully selected to give your body what it needs - and make sure you’re not giving it food that will hinder recovery.
   
   Focus on foods that are rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. And don’t forget the water! It’s important to stay hydrated after surgery. Proper hydration isn’t only necessary for healing, but may also be necessary to help your body absorb medications following surgery.

3. Get moving 

   Not too fast of course, but as soon as you are able to walk, do so! “Walking after surgery is a big step in preventing complications such as blood clots, constipation and pneumonia,” notes LMH surgeon Dr. Todd Weinstein. “We’d like to see you up and moving a little bit every hour or two while awake to promote better healing.”

4. Ask for - and accept - help

   It often surprises people when they are exhausted after surgery. However, any surgery tires the body and the recovery process can be tiring as well. Don’t expect to be able to follow your normal routine for a while. Each surgery and patient differs, but you’re likely to need help for at least a few days if not a few weeks. Talk to family and friends beforehand and line up help for everything from cooking meals to housecleaning and driving to appointments.

Bonus tip: Before you have surgery, talk to your doctor so you know exactly what to expect

Ask your doctor what to expect immediately after surgery as well as in the days to come. Discuss your expectations for recovery and learn what is realistic. “Make sure to talk to us about medications you are currently taking,” comments LMH surgeon Dr. Michael Lalla. “You will need to stop taking certain drugs and over-the-counter supplements before surgery. Diabetics on insulin will also need to make adjustments. It’s important to have these conversations before the day of your surgery.”

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Varicose veins are a fairly common condition for many people, especially as they age. Just how serious are varicose veins? What are the treatment options? Logansport Memorial Hospital has answers for your varicose vein questions.

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Technology has made huge impacts in the field of surgery and because of it, today’s surgeries are increasingly offered through minimally invasive techniques. In general, minimally invasive surgery is safer than open surgery and allows patients to recover faster and with less pain. These advances in surgical techniques make surgery possible in more cases than ever before and with better results.

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Logansport Memorial Hospital and the Logansport Surgical Associates have partnered together to offer General Surgery to our patients through the Logansport Memorial Physician Network. Todd Weinstein MD and Gerhardt Winkel III MD will join our staff as general surgeons, providing a full array of general surgery services, including laparoscopy/endoscopy procedures.

There has consistently been a strong partnership between the two organizations for several years, but the opportunity to join together proved to be beneficial for both parties involved. “We are glad to have this opportunity to join the hospital to continue providing the best possible care for the patients we see,” says Dr. Todd Weinstein. “As we collaborate and combine our resources, we can also improve the access our patients have to the care they need.”

“This merger also brings increased capabilities in the type of care we are able to provide,” adds Dr. Winkel. “Like any healthcare field, full-service general surgery is constantly evolving with new technologies to implement. Complete integration of resources and technologies will only enhance the care that we deliver.”

That integration is a key priority for patient care of the future, according to hospital CEO David Ameen. “Care integration is what we are trying to achieve with any partnership we make,” he says. “It is important to us at Logansport Memorial Hospital that we be able to provide exceptional care from admission to discharge for every patient, every time. We want to deliver care that will exceed each patient’s needs and desires. That’s our vision as an organization. Partnerships like this one continue to move us closer in that direction.”

The contact information for Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Winkel will remain the same. They will be in their current office location at 820 Fulton Street. Their office can be reached by calling 574.722.3636.

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