Getting Ready for Surgery: Recover Stronger

Evidence-based tips for physical, mental, and nutritional preparation before surgery to improve outcomes and speed up recovery.

Surgery is a significant event in anyone’s life, whether planned or unexpected. While it is completely normal to feel anxious or uncertain about it, being well prepared can help you feel more confident and potentially improve your outcomes. What many people don’t realize is that how you prepare in the weeks leading up to surgery can make a real difference. Thoughtful preparation helps you feel more in control and can lead to better outcomes once the procedure is over.

At Prepare Well Health, we believe in supporting the whole person. These wellness insights will help you through key preparation strategies that are evidence-based and take a holistic approach in getting you ready.

Your emotional journey and mental preparation

Everyone processes having surgery differently. Some people experience anxiety and fear, while others may be relieved they are addressing a health concern. Whatever you are feeling is normal and natural. Taking time to process these emotions is an important part of your preparation. Research shows that patients who take time to address their emotional wellbeing often find better satisfaction with their surgical experience. 

Psychological preparation can reduce anxiety, improve pain control, and even shorten hospital stays. That might mean:

·  Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation

·  Having open conversations with loved ones about your concerns

·  Writing down concerns and asking questions for your health care team

·  Learning about your procedure from reliable medical sources

·  Visualizing a positive recovery

These small steps can help reduce stress and create a greater sense of calm as you move toward surgery. Your emotional wellbeing is not separate from your physical healing, it is a vital part of it.

Setting up your body for success

The weeks leading up to surgery are crucial for optimizing your body’s condition. Studies have shown that patients who engage in pre-surgery physical preparation often experience faster recovery times and fewer complications. Think of this preparation period as an opportunity to strengthen your body, build up your body’s reserves, and create healthy habits that will support the healing process. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider to understand any limitations in what you can and cannot do.

Your pre-surgery physical routine and habits may include:

·  Cardiovascular conditioning like consistent 30-minute walks and jogs 2-3 times a week

·  Strength and function such as lower body exercises (squats and lunges), upper body exercises (push-ups and bicep curls), and flexibility training

·  Lung exercises can help reduce the risk of pneumonia and atelectasis (collapsed lung)

·  Smoking cessation and alcohol limitation

·  Establishing a consistent sleep routine

These changes can improve your strength, boost circulation, and lower your risk of complications. Think of this time as a chance to invest in your recovery before it begins.

Nutrition and Fueling Your Body for Recovery

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in your surgical success and healing. Research has shown a proper diet prior to surgery can improve recovery and reduce complications. In the weeks before surgery, you can prepare your body for tissue repair, inflammation control, and immune response. A well-balanced diet with proper protein intake can help strengthen your body, keep your muscles strong, and improve immune function. Specific dietary needs may vary depending on your procedure and medical condition, so please make sure to follow any specific dietary restrictions provided by your health team.

General nutrition guidelines may include:

·  Increasing protein intake to support tissue healing

·  Eating colorful fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants

·  Staying well hydrated in the days leading up to surgery

·  Avoiding highly processed foods and added sugars

Nutrition is not just about what you eat the day before surgery. It is about building up your body’s reserves so you are stronger going into the procedure and more resilient coming out of it.

Moving forward

Your surgical journey is personal and unique to you. Use these evidence-based insights as a starting point, and always follow the guidance provided by your healthcare team.

You do not need to do everything perfectly. Even small, consistent changes can help you feel more confident, more in control, and better prepared. Instead of simply waiting for surgery, you are building a foundation for healing.

At Prepare Well Health, we are here to support you every step of the way. Explore our resources for simple, practical tools focused on movement, mindset, and nourishment. You deserve to feel informed, empowered, and cared for as you move toward recovery.

References
Powell R, Scott NW, Even G, et al. Psychological preparation and postoperative outcomes for adults undergoing surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(5):CD008646. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008646.pub2

Santa Mina D, Clarke H, Ritvo P, et al. Effect of total-body prehabilitation on postoperative outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2014;100(3):196-207. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2013.08.008

Scheede-Bergdahl C, Minnella EM, Carli F. Multi-modal prehabilitation: addressing the why, when, what, how, and who for patients undergoing cancer surgery. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2019;9:49–58. doi:10.1007/s40140-019-00309-2

American College of Surgeons. (2024, April 17). Preoperative nutrition program cuts surgery costs and complications. https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2024/preoperative-nutrition-program-cuts-surgery-costs-and-complications/