The Power of Exercise Before Surgery: Linda Evans’ Inspiring Journey
Did you know that 7,000 operations take place every day in the NHS? With surgery comes stress on the body, and ensuring you’re physically prepared can make all the difference. According to Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, consultant geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’, exercise before surgery is crucial. In fact, 10-15% of those 7,000 operations result in complications, but regular activity and proper nutrition can help reduce that risk significantly.
Why Exercise Matters Before Surgery
Whether you’re waiting two weeks or 18 weeks for surgery, staying active can boost your cardio-respiratory health, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and even enhance your mental well-being. Simple movements like walking, climbing stairs, or light workouts can build strength and reduce recovery times.
Client Success Story: Linda Evans 🌟
Meet Linda Evans, my great-grandmother, who at 81 years old, transformed her health before major surgery. Linda needed half of her stomach removed due to cancer, but she didn’t let that stop her. Determined to improve her fitness, she gained 1.5 stone before surgery (knowing she would lose a significant amount of weight after the op) and reached the 90th percentile for fitness in her age group.
Linda’s surgery was a success, and her recovery was nothing short of remarkable. She returned home just 10 days after surgery—far ahead of the typical 3-week recovery. Her medical team praised her pre-surgery fitness, noting that it played a huge role in her swift recovery.
Post-surgery, Linda and I worked together on her nutrition, walking, and resistance band training. Just 7 weeks later, she continues to progress, maintaining a healthy weight and proving that age is no barrier to fitness.
Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of exercise before surgery. She’s shown that with the right mindset and support, you can overcome any challenge. Let her story inspire you to prioritise your health, no matter your age or circumstances.
If Linda can do it, so can you. Let’s get moving and take control of our health! ❤️
