Countdown to successful surgery: Your pre-op checklist

Scheduled for an outpatient or hospital surgery? These steps can help improve your odds of a healthy recovery.

So, you’re going to have surgery. The date is set, and now it’s all in your provider’s hands, right? Not entirely. Before the big day, there’s a lot you can do to help make sure the surgery is a success and your recovery goes smoothly.

Whether your operation is in a few weeks or several months, don’t just sit back and wait. Talk to your health care provider now about steps you can take in the months, weeks, and days before the surgery.

Want to feel your best and set yourself up for post-op success? Try these tips.

In the months before

Pay attention to chronic health conditions

Say you have diabetes and you’re booked for hip replacement surgery. A hip operation has nothing to do with diabetes, right? Actually, your recovery and risk of complications can depend on how well your diabetes is managed. Other conditions that can affect surgery include:

Anemia
Depression
High blood pressure
Sleep apnea
A history of blood clots
Varicose veins

Ask your provider for advice on ways to manage your chronic conditions. They may suggest:

Medication changes
Sticking more carefully to treatment plans
Making small changes to your diet, exercise, or other lifestyle habits

Even a small change can make a big difference.

Stop smoking

Smoking slows healing. It can also raise the risk of breathing problems and anesthesia complications during surgery. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your health plan includes the Wellframe app, a digital health management app that offers programs on how to quit smoking for no extra cost.

You can also talk to your provider about quitting. Ask whether over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications could help ease your cravings.

In the week before

Be mindful of medications

Your provider has likely gone over your medication list with you in detail. That’s important. Some medications may raise your chance of surgery complications. Or they might raise your bleeding risk during a surgery.

During that medication review, be sure to mention everything you take. That includes vitamins, supplements, and OTC medications like painkillers, sleep aids, and allergy medications. Your provider might give you step-by-step directions on exactly when to stop taking certain substances.

Prep for recovery

Knowing exactly what you can expect in the days after your surgery makes it easier to prepare for recovery. Ask your provider questions like:

Will I be able to get up and down stairs at home?
How long until I’m able to drive?
Will I need a friend or family member to help me with anything after surgery?
Would I benefit from a home health aide?
What types of restrictions should I follow and for how long?

Avoid germs

There’s no great time to catch a cold or the flu. But if an illness hits you in the weeks before surgery, you might have to reschedule. An illness can weaken your immune system and make it harder for you to heal. To avoid that, double down on habits that can prevent illness:

Stay away from crowds.
Wear a mask in public places.
Wash your hands often.
Don’t touch your face after touching public surfaces.

If you do feel sick in the week before your surgery, call your provider.

Ask questions

Research shows that when people understand what’s about to happen, they’re less anxious before the event. They also have a stronger recovery afterward. Your health care provider has probably already described your surgery. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak up.

In the day and hours before

Pack light

You don’t need to bring a lot. Leave valuables at home and pack only what you truly need. Double-check that you have a photo ID and your insurance card handy. Here are some ideas for an overnight stay:

A case for your glasses or contact lenses
A phone charger
Flat shoes with nonslip soles
A lightweight robe
Shorts or sweatpants
A T-shirt
Clothes to wear when you go home

Also, make a list of phone numbers for close contacts. That way, whoever is with you on the day of your surgery can easily update your loved ones.

Watch the clock

Your provider might have given you specific details about when to stop taking medications. Or maybe you’ve been told when to stop eating or drinking before your surgery. Be mindful of that time or even set an alarm so you don’t forget.

Scrub up

The surgery team will use an antiseptic during your surgery to stop germs that can cause infection. Antiseptics work best on clean skin. Often, medical teams advise showering the night before and the morning of surgery. They may even suggest using an antibacterial soap. Do not use any lotions, creams, powders, or perfumes.

There’s no need to shave the area of your body where an operation is happening. If shaving is needed, the surgery team will do it. If you’re unsure about any of this, ask your clinical care team.

Have a loved one come with you

It’s always a good idea to bring a trusted family member or friend to the surgical center or hospital. Let that person know ahead of time how they can help. You may want them to:

Take notes on any care instructions your provider shares before and after the surgery
Be there for emotional support and to ease your anxiety
Drive you home afterward and help you get settled

If you’re not sure what kind of support you might need, remember that your clinical care team is there to help. You can also use the Wellframe health management app to find informational articles and resources. The app is included in your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield plan.

Article sources:
Preparing for surgery overview: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Society of Anesthesiologists
Medication and surgery: American College of Surgeons
Surgery questions: American College of Surgeons; Johns Hopkins Medicine
Study on surgery and anxiety: Perioperative Medicine
Showering before surgery: University of Michigan Health

Countdown to successful surgery: Your pre-op checklist

In the months before