Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques

by Peggy Huddleston

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster shows how to use mind-body techniques to reduce anxiety, use 23“50% less pain medication, and heal faster. Documented by research, it is recommended by hospitals in the U.S., including Brigham and Women's Hospital, which is a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center in New York. It also includes chapters about using mind-body techniques to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy, how to prepare children for surgery, and vitamins to speed healing. An updated edition was published in 2012.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help

265 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2012

Reviews

[Yvonne S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this now, cover to cover, a couple weeks ahead of what is ordinary (but not for me) major surgery (total knee replacement), I feel much less fear and anxiety and much more peace and confidence heading into the challenge. Recommended not just for anyone facing surgery, but also other treatments such as chemo and radiation. I may well buy her meditation recording on MP3 for further practice before the surgery. (The library edition I read did not include the CD.)

[Phyllis Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains excellent and useful techniques that I use and recommend. I do not recommend, however, giving the author money. My husband paid $6000 to the author to work with him twice a week for three months on his cancer. He died after five sessions and she refused to return the unused balance.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, to an extent

The imagery was useful, as were many of the overarching concepts. But some of this was wildly outdated and so farfetched that it was a touch delusional. Outdated: I won’t be bringing my iPod into the OR and I don’t think HIPAA will allow me to ask the doctor’s office for the phone numbers of other patients.

Always a critic of style, I found the writing to be painful. Maybe other readers can focus on just the content and get beyond the writing, but it gave me a headache. The text was cyclical, repetitive, and excessively anecdotal. There were so many stories of “success” that it took away from the content and seemed gimmicky.

Really, the ideas are fairly simple. Visualization before and after surgery is helpful. (I downloaded an Audible file with the meditations, and I think they are worth it). We need to determine and ask for what we need when it comes to our care, and protect ourselves psychologically. We are impressionable while under anesthesia and do hear what is being said during surgery.

This could have, should have been just a pamphlet. 😀

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided to me by a friend after I learned that I will unexpectedly need surgery due to a brain aneurysm. The situation feels out of my control, yet this book provided practical tools that allow a measure of personal agency in advance of frightening brain surgery. I am thankful this book was recommended and suggest that others who are open to mind-body connections and techniques read it!

Steps 1-3 felt particularly essential for me. With four weeks to go, I have plenty of time to practice the guided meditations in pursuit of peace, visualize my healing journey, and gather my support network. While the healing statements of Step 4 seem beneficial, I feel less prepared to involve the surgical care team members at this level. I have a pre-anesthesia call soon and will use some of the advice provided in Step 5.

[Katrina Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave this to me to read as I prepare for surgery in two weeks. As a meditator and someone who has done hypnotherapy, and also someone who does energy work, none of the concepts were new. However, it helped me remember all of the tools at my disposal. I especially liked the idea of replacing thoughts of a special, relaxing place whenever intruding negative thoughts pop up.

I find it is a good companion to Belleruth Naparstek’s Preparing For Successful Surgery audio tracks.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people might consider the concepts a little “woo woo” but if you can lean in and commit to using the meditation and healing statement, this book will help you heal faster and have a better recovery after surgery.

At the very least, it will help give you a sense of comfort and control in an otherwise scary and often times unknown process.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very valuable to read before surgery. Highly recommend the corresponding cd as well.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps to get through a surgery in a positive light.

[Kimberly Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for pre-during and post op frame of mind to accelerate healing and limit side effects and discomfort.

[Timothy]

Excellent ideas and ways to prepare for life-changing surgery.

[Valerie Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone planning surgery.

[Susan Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful information, well presented.

[Marie Zahnle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, comprehensive, and helpful guide for those preparing for surgery

[Maryann Moffit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much substance

many of the phrases and statements were repeated two or more time, making the book seem to have more content

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integrative medicine, Dr Jennifer Cohen suggested I read it before breast surgery. Also did mediation tape. Helped me relax and have inner peace.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend for anyone undergoing surgery. Meditation is empowering. Helped me feel more in charge of my health.

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific. Read before surgery and used the included meditation CD. Worked great.

[Teresa]

I was given this book and the healing CDs back in 2006 when I was diagnosed with Cancer and was preparing for surgery. This book was instrumental in helping me find my way back from a devastating diagnosis. The readings helped to calm me, release me from the fear of death and reinforced my break down from the Almighty. I had lost my way and decided it was over with just those horrifying words. This book helped put me in charge of my emotions, feelings and gave me a sense of calm and belief in survival. When my mind was right, my body felt the confidence. I stopped thinking it was over and started to plan for what I would do after surgery. I was able to smile again and my faith was restored. I believed everything was going to be alright. That was back in 2006 and I'm Cancer free to date. I recommend this book for everyone going to surgery.