Preparing for your surgery
- Make any necessary lifestyle changes (lose weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake).
- Schedule and attend your pre-operative appointment(s).
- Ask your surgeon any final questions about your preparation, procedure, and recovery.
- Fill any prescriptions you need pre and post-operatively.
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
- Prepare your body by hydrating, eating healthy, and exercising the weeks leading up to your surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgery.
- Pack a hospital bag.
- Typically you can’t have food or beverages after midnight the night before your surgery (be sure to consult with your surgeon).
- Shower the night before or the morning of your surgery (it may be a while before your next shower).
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes and slip-on shoes to your surgery.
Preparing for your recovery
- Decide where you will recover (home, recovery facility, hotel, hospital) and who will help you during your recovery.
- Stock your refrigerator before your surgery with high-protein, low-sodium foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of caffeine-free beverages and water. Avoid food and drinks containing salt during your recovery.
- Store all the supplies you'll need during your recovery where they're easily accessible (counter level, not in overhead or very low cabinets). You may have a limited range of motion after your surgery.
- Stockpile items like your phone, chargers, TV remote, and anything else you may need by your bed.
- Prepare your bed with the necessary pillows you might need for support.
- Get all of your chores out of the way before your surgery so you may recuperate with as little worry as possible. You should not be lifting, driving, doing laundry, or cleaning during most recoveries.
- Decide what to wear for the first few days you are home and do laundry. With some surgeries, you should avoid bending after so you’ll want to dress accordingly. Pick items that open in front and wear slip-on shoes.
- Arrange for someone to take care of your kids during your recovery period (if applicable).