You've scheduled your surgery, now what?
The days and weeks leading up to surgery are more critical than most people realize. As a surgeon, I want to emphasize the importance of thorough preparation in setting you up for success. Not only does it help reduce stress, but it can also lower the risk of complications and make your recovery smoother.
So, what to do before surgery?
Below, I'll walk you through how to prepare physically, mentally, and logistically for your procedure. Even with advances like robotic surgery, which offers smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery, your body still needs preparation and care to heal properly.
What to Do Before Surgery
For a long time, the focus has been on post-surgery - what to do after the procedure. However, there has been a shift toward a more proactive approach that includes what you can do before surgery. This approach is known as "prehabilitation," or "prehab" for short. It's about preparing your body and mind before surgery and is getting recognition for helping improve recovery outcomes.
Many of the aspects we'll discuss in preparing for surgery are part of the prehab approach, but they're not all-inclusive. For a deeper look at prehabilitation, this article is a great resource: Prehabilitation: Preparing for Surgery to Improve Outcomes.
Preparing Physically
Fitness and Nutrition
The first step is to ensure your physical fitness is at its best before your procedure. This includes having and maintaining a good exercise routine before surgery.
Many surgeons, including myself, also recommend a high-protein and low-carb diet as part of your prehab.
When you undergo surgery, your protein stores will deplete during the healing process. It's why you want to ensure that, at least two weeks before your surgery, you are eating a high-protein, low-carb diet. You don't want to spend the two weeks before surgery eating junk food or a lot of highly processed food. Focus on healthy options high in protein.
Stop Smoking and Minimize Alcohol
Next, no smoking. At least two to four weeks before surgery, no smoking, vaping, or smoking marijuana. All of these factors can impact your healing, especially if you're undergoing intestinal surgery that requires a connection in the intestines. Smoking and vaping can affect the healing of the connection and can cause a leak or a disruption.
Minimize alcohol before surgery.
Manage Health Conditions
For those with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, it's essential to have them well-managed before surgery to help ensure a smoother recovery. Keeping these under control reduces your risk of complications and supports healing.
If you have diabetes, it is essential to ensure your hemoglobin A1C level is within normal limits. Many doctors won't perform surgery if your blood sugar levels are out of control. Aim for optimal blood-sugar management in the weeks leading up to your operation.
Preparing Mentally
For a variety of reasons, many people have surgery anxiety, fearful of the unknown or what could happen. Just as you want to be physically prepared for surgery, you also want to be mentally prepared. Being anxious before surgery can have adverse side effects on the body.
For those that struggle with surgery anxiety, there are things you can do to lessen it, including, but not limited to:
If you'd like to learn more, you can read more here on Surgery anxiety: Coping tips and more.
Preparing Logistically
What to do before surgery is also about logistics, including setting up your home and support system for a smooth recovery. Planning ahead of time can help reduce stress later, allowing you to focus fully on your healing.
Create a Comfortable Recovery Space
Make Your Home Safe
Stock Up on Supplies
Arrange Follow-Up and Support
Plan for Your Downtime
Getting Ready - The Last Steps
In the days leading up to your surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. These are important for keeping you safe and making sure everything goes smoothly on surgery day.
They'll advise you on:
Preparing for Before and After Surgery Day
What to Do Before Surgery Day
You've spent time preparing physically, mentally, and logically for recovery. Now it's time to prepare for the actual day. What do you need to know about preparing for surgery day?
What to Bring with You:
Expect Some Waiting
Hospitals these days can often run like airports, where delays happen. Surgeries may get pushed slightly depending on earlier cases. Bring a book, music, or another quiet activity to help pass the time if there's a wait.
What to Do After Surgery Day
After surgery and before you go home, it's essential to understand your post-operative instructions, which include:
The Right Preparation
With the right preparation, you can set yourself up for a successful and smooth recovery from surgery. Knowing exactly what to do before surgery is half the battle.
Pre-surgery preparation is the first step toward a successful healing process. A little planning now means less stress and a quicker return to everyday life later. Don't hesitate to ask questions and involve loved ones in your preparation because they can be a great support system.
I know there's a lot to take care of, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, I hope this blog has shown you that planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can reduce added stress and focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Providing you care beyond the visit ~
Dr. Cindy Geocaris