Preparing for Whatever Life Throws at You|15 days After Hip Replacement Surgery| Episode 21

Preparing for Whatever Life Throws at You | 15 Days After Hip Replacement | Episode 21

Fifteen days after my hip replacement, I’m very happy to be recording this episode from the other side.

And even if you’re not facing major surgery — or you’re completely fed up with hearing about my hip! — stay with me, because this episode is really about preparing yourself for whatever life throws at you.

I saw my surgeon yesterday, and I’m delighted with the progress I’ve made so far. But one thing I now understand much more clearly is the enormity of major surgery. I underestimated it.

What I didn’t underestimate was the importance of going into surgery with something in the tank.

My strength and fitness had dropped significantly over the past three years as my hips deteriorated, but I kept moving, kept strength training where I could and continued looking after my nutrition.

And I am incredibly grateful that I did.

In this episode, I talk about the role I believe my whole-food plant-based lifestyle, strength, nutrition and positive attitude have played in supporting my recovery — and why the things we do before we need our health can matter enormously afterwards.

In this episode:

What the first 15 days after hip replacement have really been like

What I underestimated about major surgery

My update after seeing my surgeon

Why maintaining strength matters, even when you can’t train as you once did

How my nutrition has supported me before and after surgery

Why recovery has reinforced my belief in eating well for healthy ageing

How my daily Instagram hip diary unexpectedly reached thousands of people

The messages I’ve received from others frightened about their own surgery

Why sharing an individual recovery journey can still give others hope

The difference between being unable to exercise much and being unable to influence your health

Why my world finally feels as though it is becoming bigger again

My biggest lesson

For the last few years, my world had slowly become smaller.

Walking hurt. Training changed. Activities became harder. I was constantly making decisions based on what my hips would allow me to do.

Now, just over two weeks after surgery, I can already feel that beginning to reverse.

My world is getting a little bigger every day.

That is an extraordinary feeling.

What can you do today for tomorrow’s you?

You don’t need to be preparing for surgery to start building resilience.

Eat food that nourishes you. Maintain as much muscle as you can. Move your body. Prioritise sleep. Look after your mindset. Stay connected to people who lift you up.

You cannot control everything life will throw at you.

But you can influence the body and mind that will meet it.

Join me this September

On 1 September, I’m running a workshop specifically for women over 50 who want practical strategies to improve their nutrition, feel better, manage their weight and age with greater strength and confidence.

That leads into my pre-challenge nutrition week before the next Lose 10 Kilos in 12 Weeks Challenge, starting 7 September.

Workshop details / register here

Join the Lose 10 Kilos in 12 Weeks Challenge

And perhaps Bali is your next big goal…

I also have two spaces remaining for our Outlook for Life Bali retreat next year.

One of my own goals is to arrive in Bali in July 2027 feeling physically and emotionally strong, able to enjoy the experience fully after everything my body has been through.

Perhaps that could be your goal too.

Find out about Bali 2027

Thank you again for the extraordinary number of messages, comments and good wishes I’ve received throughout my hip journey. If sharing my recovery helps even one person feel less frightened about what lies ahead, it has been worth doing.