Preparing for Surgery

Once you and your Doctor decide that surgery will help you, you will need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.

Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could interfere with the surgery or the outcomes. Routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed before any major surgery. Discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon and your primary care physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery. If you have any additional risk factors, including other medical problems, dental/gum issues, obesity or history of smoking, you should discuss with your doctors who this can affect your outcomes. You should eat a well-balanced diet after surgery. You should arrange from someone to help with your everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry. You should set-up your house as to avoid loose cords or out-of-reach items.

If you are having a day surgery, remember to have someone available to take you home after surgery. Do not eat the any heavy/greasy food after surgery for at least 24 hours. Keep your extremity elevated and your bandage dry after surgery. Take your pain medication as directed and as needed.