A successful outcome in the operating room doesn’t rest solely on your surgeon. How you prepare your mind and body in the weeks leading up to your procedure plays a major role in your results and recovery time.
Your orthopedic surgeon will give you a specific plan tailored to your procedure, but many preparation steps are universal. Checking these items off your list can help you feel more in control and set you up for a much smoother recovery once you return home.
Of course, life is unpredictable, and sudden injuries like a bone fracture mean surgery has to happen right away. But if you do have time to plan ahead, here are four key areas to focus on before your procedure.
1. Your Overall Health: Medications, Medical Conditions and More
Before surgery, your doctor’s primary goal is to ensure your body is in the best possible shape to heal. This includes reviewing a complete list of every prescription, over-the-counter medication and vitamin supplement you take, as certain pills can cause dangerous bleeding risks, interact with anesthesia or delay your recovery. Bring this list to all your appointments so your team can tell you exactly what to pause or adjust before your procedure.
About 30 days before your surgery, you will also see your primary care doctor for a presurgical checkup, which may include routine lab tests or imaging. These checks are designed to spot issues, including high blood sugar, low iron (anemia) or underlying heart conditions, that could lead to complications during or after surgery. Depending on your health, your surgeon may also ask you to lose weight or quit smoking to give your body an edge in healing quickly.
2. Will You Need ‘Prehab’?
If you are preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery, your doctor might recommend “prehab,” short for pre-habilitation. Think of it as a jump-start on your recovery. Prehab involves working with a physical therapist for about six weeks before your procedure to strengthen your muscles and joints. Studies show that patients who do prehab significantly reduce their need for inpatient rehabilitation. They also often experience reduced pain and recover more quickly. As a bonus, it’s a great way to ease presurgery nerves, helping you head into the operating room feeling confident in exactly what your body can do.
Prehab vs. Rehab
Prehab and rehab both help your recovery, but they happen at different times. Prehab is done before surgery to build strength. Rehab happens after surgery to help you heal and regain strength and range of motion.
3. Fuel Your Body Well
Surgery places a massive amount of physical stress on your body, much like running a marathon. Eating the right foods in the weeks leading up to your procedure builds vital nutrient reserves, which help wounds heal. Focus on a well-balanced diet packed with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (like chicken, fish or beans) to give your body the building blocks it needs to repair tissue.
Hydration is equally critical to keep your body running smoothly. The American College of Surgeons recommends drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce cups of fluid every day to stay well-hydrated leading up to your operation. Proper hydration supports your circulation, protects your organs and ensures you head into the operating room in the strongest possible position.
4. Surgery Logistics: How to Prep Your Home and Plan for Surgery Day
A little preparation around the house goes a long way toward a peaceful recovery. Before your surgery, set up a cozy recovery zone on your main floor to avoid having to navigate stairs. Clear your main walkways, tuck away loose rugs to prevent trips and move everyday items so they’re within easy reach.
It is also helpful to gather a few handy tools ahead of time, like a reacher-grabber, a shoehorn or a walker. If you are having a back procedure, you can review our comprehensive list of assistive devices for spine surgery recovery to see exactly what equipment will best support your mobility at home.
Finally, taking care of these few logistics ahead of time will let you fully focus on resting:
- Arrange a ride. Ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery center.
- Review fasting rules. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop eating, drinking and taking certain medications.
- Plan for daily tasks. Line up a bit of extra help for bathing, meals and other daily routines during your first few days back home.
Key Takeaways
A successful outcome isn’t just up to your surgeon—how you prepare in the weeks beforehand matters, too. While no surgical recovery is truly “easy,” solid preparation makes the entire process feel much less overwhelming.
To recap your presurgery checklist:
- Optimize your health. Get your body in the best possible shape before your procedure.
- Build up your strength. Stick to your prehab exercises and fuel yourself with healing foods.
- Follow instructions. Follow your care team’s guidelines to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Summit Orthopedics’ award-winning surgery centers make sure you know what to expect at every stage of surgery, preparation and recovery. If you’re considering orthopedic surgery, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.