Preparing For Surgery

Before the surgery, your doctor will order/conduct any tests and examinations to determine that your state of health meets the requirements for surgery. In other words, it’s critical for your health to work closely and openly with your doctor to identify any potential conflicting illnesses, medications or injuries that may impact the effectiveness of the surgery or pose a significant risk to your wellbeing.

Once your doctor has achieved a complete diagnosis for your condition, evaluated your health, informed you of your treatment options and the two of you have come to an agreement, a date will be selected, and you will start the process of preparing for your surgery. This can include:

• You and your physician will come to a consensus on all medications you are currently taking and if any need to be stopped before surgery.
• Discuss with your doctor your preferences/needs regarding any potential blood transfusions.
• As those with obesity are at a higher risk of surgical complications and post-operative harm, certain patients may be highly advised, or even required, to lose weight before a surgeon is comfortable to perform a given operation. The doctor may provide a diet and exercise regimen to assist in productive and healthy weight loss, in order for these patients to receive the surgical care they need.
• Stop taking medications such as aspirin or warfarin, which can potentially interfere with your ability to clot properly. Bleeding excessively during surgery is a serious matter and is potentially life-threatening.
• Smokers should stop smoking before surgery since many of the chemicals typically found in most cigarettes are known to interfere with anesthesia. Quitting smoking well ahead of operation can significantly minimize the risk of complications.
• To reduce the risk of post-operative infection, make sure to take care of any outstanding issues pertaining to your teeth, gums, bowel, and bladder.
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet is always important, but especially so in the weeks leading up to an invasive surgical procedure.
• If you are experiencing a bacterial or viral infection in the days leading up to your surgery, immediately inform your doctor. Surgery will have to be postponed until the infection clears up.
• To facilitate your post-operative recovery, make the necessary arrangements with friends and family so that you can get help and support with everyday chores and tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping and doing the laundry.
• You will also want to prepare your living space to minimize potential risk factors (anything that could lead to a risky fall or cut, or anything that could invite airborne contaminants to infect your wound), and support your needs physically (cushions, accessibility, ergonomic and supportive resting areas).