Your health, your year: What to consider if you’re having surgery

Are you ready now for that procedure you’ve been considering?

Know in advance what to expect

As you look ahead, grab your calendar and plan to make the most of your care — before and after — surgery:

• Preparing can take days, weeks or months, depending on what your operation is. For example, preparing for weight-loss surgery can take weeks or months compared to days or weeks for joint replacement. Ask your PCP or surgeon how long to plan.
• In general, expect it to take six to 12 weeks from start to finish. Your individual experience will depend on the type of surgery you’re having and your overall health.
  • Recovery for minimally invasive procedures is often quicker because the incisions are smaller and can heal more quickly.
  • Recovery from open surgeries takes longer because the incision(s) are larger or deeper.
• Here are a few common surgeries and the general range of times from pre-op to initial recovery:
  • Weight-loss surgery 2 to 6 months (including various therapies)
  • Joint replacement 6 weeks to 6 months (including physical therapy) 
  • Hand, wrist, foot or ankle surgery 6 weeks to 6 months (including physical therapy)
  • Vascular surgery 6 weeks to 2 months
  • Reconstructive surgeries 6 weeks to 2 months
  • Hysterectomy 4-6 weeks
  • Gallbladder 4-6 weeks
  • C-section 6 weeks

What to do when surgery date nears

Your surgeon will provide instructions specific to your situation.

• Talk with your surgeon’s office and/or the hospital about insurance coverage and what paperwork is required before the procedure.
• Before surgery, a typical experience includes:
  • Consult with the surgeon – 1 to 2 visits.
  • Tests or exams before procedure date – 1 to 2 visits.
  • Pre-op steps may begin 3-7 days before surgery. These are important steps only YOU can do to prepare for surgery. You may be directed to:
    • Stop or adjust medications, supplements (if any) and/or certain foods in your diet.
    • Wash your body with antiseptic before the procedure (you’ll need clean sheets to be on your bed after you’ve washed).
• After surgery, you can usually expect:
  • To talk with your surgeon before you go home or move to another facility.
  • A follow-up visit with your surgeon in a few days or weeks after surgery. 
  • Physical therapy sessions — usually once or twice a week for one to two months.
  • Other types of therapy, as needed. 

Steps to enhance your health

 Consider taking the following steps as soon as you know you’re having surgery. These can potentially improve the outcome of your operation and set you up for greater overall success:

• Quit smoking. You’re at higher risk for breathing and/or wound healing issues if you smoke. If you can’t quit altogether, then try cutting back. Ask your PCP or surgeon for help.
• Walk or do low-impact exercise daily. This keeps your muscles strong. You’ll need them during the recovery process. Read about the study on the power of 7,500 steps.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet — especially green leafy vegetables, which have minerals that nourish the cells in your body.
• Get vaccinations recommended for you by your PCP. 
• Rent, buy or arrange to get medical devices or tools that you’ll need after surgery. Ask your surgeon’s office what is recommended.
• Stock up on key supplies you expect to use during your recovery process. 

Know what recovery will look like

Depending on your surgery, you might — for a few weeks — need to avoid bending, twisting, getting wet, walking on surfaces that might be slick or pulling/pushing/lifting anything heavy. Plan to avoid any activity that might disturb your incision until it heals.

Knowing that you won’t be “100%” for a few weeks (or more) means you’ll need to plan other parts of your life around your recovery. 

Let others know how long it might take you to get back to your normal routine. This can mean saying “no” to requests or gently reminding others in the household that you need their help so you can focus on getting better.

Ask family/friends or hire someone to help you for 2-4 weeks after surgery. 

Following are a few things you might need help with, depending on what your doctor says: 

• Driving to and from medical appointments (or other places).
• Childcare, school drop-offs/pick-ups and other related tasks or trips for the kids. 
• Self-care (bathing, dressing, etc.)
• Household chores (cooking, laundry, cleaning). 
• Shopping.
• Caring for pets. 

Once you have your strength back, you should be able to return to doing many or all these things for yourself again, as cleared by your provider. 

Mapping out your plan can put your mind at ease and make you feel better knowing you’re prepared.