Most people feel a mixture of anxiety, nervousness, and excitement in the weeks leading up to surgery. It can also be a busy time when people make preparations for their recovery.
Doctors stress the importance of preparing the body by managing nutrition, sleep, and other habits. It is also important to prepare the mind and make practical arrangements that will allow you to rest and recover after surgery.
This article provides practical tips for preparing the body and mind for surgery and getting organized so the recovery period is as stress-free as possible.
Healthcare teams typically provide thorough information about what to expect from a surgical procedure, such as:
- when to stop eating and taking medications before surgery
- what happens during the procedure
- how anesthesia and pain management works
- the recovery timeline
To feel fully informed, read all of the materials the team gives you. If reading is difficult, you can ask for other ways to access the information, such as links to videos. It is a good idea to read the materials before your pre-operative assessment so you can ask any questions ahead of the surgery.
Knowing what to expect can lower your anxiety and help you feel more in control before and after surgery. You can ask the hospital about preoperative education programs or one-on-one counselling if you feel particularly anxious or unclear about what to expect.
The fitter a person is before surgery, the better their recovery after surgery will be. Taking steps to improve your health can reduce your surgical stress response.
What is the surgical stress response?
The surgical stress response is how the body reacts to surgery. It involves changes in hormones and the immune system that help the body recover and heal after the operation.
An exaggerated or long-lasting stress response can lead to complications, such as the breakdown of body proteins. This can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, impaired wound healing, and increased risk of infections.
To improve physical health before surgery, you can try to:
- Work with a doctor to ensure you are managing any health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
- Lose excess weight, which can reduce surgery and anaesthesia risks.
- Increase daily physical activity — even household chores, such as vacuuming and laundry, can help.
- Include aerobic, strength, breathing, balance, and stretching exercises into your activity regimen.
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, which can help reduce inflammation.
- Limit or stop drinking alcohol 6 to 8 weeks before surgery to help with wound healing and nutrition.
- Get plenty of good quality sleep.
- Quit smoking if necessary, which improves blood flow and reduces the risk of complications.
Having surgery is a major event, and most people feel anxious in the months and weeks leading up to it. Just as working on your physical fitness can improve your recovery after surgery, managing your anxiety, developing your coping skills, and thinking positively can also benefit your recovery.
Different anxiety-reduction strategies work for different people, so it is important to find what works for you. You may enjoy going for a walk in nature, spending time with friends, gardening, or reading.
You could also try relaxation techniques such as:
- Guided imagery: You can use guided imagery to visualize and imagine yourself feeling good after surgery and recovering well.
- Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises such as 4-7-8 breathing can reduce anxiety.
- Positive affirmations: This involves repeating positive statements so you internalize them and draw confidence from them.
The Royal College of Anesthetists in the United Kingdom provides a series of recordings that help people relax before surgery and develop a positive mindset.
The preparations people need to make before surgery depend on:
- the type of surgery they are having and how it may affect their physical abilities
- the complexity of their lives, such as having to consider child care, pet care, or other responsibilities
- the support they have from other people
Allow yourself plenty of time to make arrangements for your recovery, as this will help ease stress in the pre-surgery period.
Things to do at home before surgery
Taking these steps before surgery may make recovery easier:
Arrange support
Someone will need to drive you home from the hospital after surgery and, ideally, stay with you for the first day or two to make sure you can look after yourself safely. If a friend or family member is not available, you can arrange for temporary home caregiver support.
Make child and pet care arrangements
If you have young children, ask friends or family to take on your usual responsibilities, such as taking them to school or other activities. If you have pets, arrange for someone to walk them or feed them.
Clean your living space
Get cleaning and other physical chores out of the way before surgery, as you may not be able to do them during recovery. Having a clean environment can also help reduce the chance of post-surgical infection.
Declutter and arrange furniture
If your mobility will be limited postsurgery, make sure there are no trip hazards where you are likely to walk. If necessary, move furniture around to make it easier for you to get about.
Install safety measures
If necessary, install grab bars to help you sit down and rise from the toilet. Consider a non-slip bath mat or a shower chair to make showering safer and easier.
Prepare a recovery space
Set up a comfortable area with everything you might need, such as entertainment, activities, pillows, and things that may be difficult to access postsurgery.
Plan and prepare your meals
Plan nourishing meals and snacks to eat during your recovery. If you cook in the weeks before surgery, double up recipes and freeze half so you have easy meals available to heat up.
Stock the cupboards
Make sure you have plenty of food and other supplies, as shopping during recovery may be difficult.
Your surgery may require an overnight stay or longer, so you will need to take whatever you need to make it comfortable.
Your list will partly depend on the type of surgery you are having. For example, some surgeries make it difficult to wear certain clothing. Button-up garments might be easier to put on than those that go over the head. Loose, pull-on clothes may be more practical than tight ones.
What to pack for your stay in the hospital
The following items may be useful for your stay in the hospital:
Clothing
- loose-fitting nightwear
- robe
- non-slip slippers or slip-on shoes
- loose-fitting clothing
- non-slip socks
- underwear that will be comfortable postsurgery
Toiletries
- soap, shampoo, deodorant, moisturizer
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush or comb
- razor and shaving supplies
- feminine hygiene products
- lip balm
- hand sanitizer
- tissues or wet wipes
Personal items
- a bag with compartments to make finding items easy
- eye mask
- earplugs
- eyeglasses or contacts
- phone and charger
- earbuds or headphones
- a book, magazine, or e-reader
Medical items
- medications that doctors approve for you to take during your stay
- list of current medications and dosages
- insurance card and photo ID
- other medical documents
Avoid taking valuables into the hospital or packing too much.
Preparing for surgery often involves optimizing your health and making practical arrangements for your recovery.
It is important to prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally for as long as possible before surgery. Taking time to get organized at home before surgery can make the postsurgery period as stress-free as possible.