Guidance and resources to help you prepare for an operation or treatment.
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Preparing for an operation
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Having an operation is a big life event. Taking steps to improve your health and wellbeing beforehand can help to prepare your body, reduce the risks of the operation, and help you recover faster.
Following a specific health or wellbeing programme can also help you feel more prepared for your upcoming procedure and more in control of your physical and mental health.
However you are looking to improve your health and prepare for an operation or treatment, there are lots of useful resources that can support you.
Resources and support
The guidance on this page can be used alongside any other information given to you by the teams involved in your care.
We’ve included links to more general guidance that anybody can use, as well as local information aimed at people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
To find what works best for you, consider what support you may need and explore the options under each heading.
There may be several changes you wish to make and we encourage you to look into all the options that may be relevant to you.
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Quit smoking
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol:
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire:
Further resources
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Eat well
Local resources
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire:
Further support
General help and support for a healthy, balanced diet:
- NHS Patient Webinars: nutritional information
- The NHS Eatwell Guide
- British Dietetic Association: Food Fact Sheets
- British Heart Foundation Recipe Finder
Healthy eating for lowering your cholesterol:
Support if you have diabetes:
Eating a healthy balanced diet if you have cancer:
- Information about diet and cancer from University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
- Macmillan Cancer Support: The benefits of a healthy diet
- Macmillan Cancer Support: Tips for managing eating problems
- Penny Brohn UK: Eating well with cancer
Eating a healthy balanced diet if you have a brain tumor:
Living well with Coeliac disease:
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Managing your weight
Local resources
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire:
Further support
General help and support for managing your weight:
- NHS advice on managing your weight
- Lose weight with NHS Better Health
- NHS advice on how to lose weight in a wheelchair
Support if you are living with obesity and also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both:
If you have cancer and need help to gain weight:
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Alcohol and drugs
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol:
- Access training and tools with SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) programme
- Independence from drugs and alcohol: Bristol Drugs Project
- Get free and confidential help with Bristol ROADS (Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service)
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire:
Further support
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Exercise and keeping fit
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol:
- Bristol City Council: Physical activity referral programmes for people with health conditions
- WellAware: Directory of exercise and fitness classes in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire:
- Move more with One You South Gloucestershire
- WellAware: Directory of exercise and fitness classes in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Further support
Exercise when you have a brain tumor:
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Mental health and wellbeing
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire:
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Further support
Support for your mental health if you have a brain tumor:
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Preparing for an operation
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If you have cancer
Local resources
Preparing for an operation when you have cancer:
Managing your energy levels when you have cancer:
Further support
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Bodily aches and pains
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire:
Further support
Preparing for an operation if you have arthritis:
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Managing a long term condition
Local resources
Support if you live in Bristol:
Support if you live in North Somerset:
Support if you live in South Gloucestershire: