Preparing for surgery

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How to prepare for an operation

Now you’ve got a date for your surgery, there’s a lot to think about. Give yourself time to go through the details and decide what help you may need with the physical, mental and emotional challenges ahead. Most importantly, get lots of rest and take good care of yourself.

Follow the advice of your healthcare professionals regarding your daily routine and whether you should make any changes to it.

You will probably have a pre-assessment health check prior to your surgery date or on the day itself. You’ll need your GP details, your medical history and a list of any allergies and medications. If you were given forms, bring them with you and provide emergency contact details.

Your surgery team

Whether you’ve been booked in for a specific procedure or you have a choice of routes, there’s lots to discuss with your consultant or nursing staff. Take time to think through the questions you might ask. Keep a notebook or record notes to your phone, so you have clear reference points to refer to. You may wish to bring a friend or family member for support and to act as your note taker during meetings.

Let your surgeon know if you have any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or high blood pressure (hypertension) as these will need to be monitored in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

What to ask about your operation

How long will the surgery take?
What can I do to prepare for the treatment?
What kind of pain relief is there and do I have a choice?
Will I be an inpatient or outpatient?
What do I need to pack for hospital?
How long should it take for the scar to heal?
How many follow-up appointments might I need to have?
Will I need medication before or after the surgery?

How can I ease pre-surgery anxiety?

The lead up to an operation can be a worrying time. The NHS website’s Every Mind Matters page gives advice on mental wellbeing including support for stress and sleep problems or you could ask your pre-op team for advice on counselling.

There may be a helpline to chat to people who have gone through the same type of treatment as you.

Getting as much information beforehand will help you prepare and put your mind at rest. If you have private health insurance, ask your claims team for support and advice, that’s what they’re there for.

Health tips before surgery

The main thing is to stick to a steady physical routine as this can greatly improve healing and recovery time. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity and maintain a good level of hydration.

Consult your medical team if you are worried about your BMI and the how your weight might affect your surgery and aftercare.

If you drink alcohol or smoke, you can also get help from healthcare professionals to cut down or stop as both can affect your body’s ability to heal well.

If you have the benefit of private healthcare, you may be able to choose where you are treated, have specially prepared meals and an en suite room in peaceful grounds with extended visiting hours.

How do I prepare my body before surgery?

Try to do some regular exercise such as yoga, walking, cycling, dancing or swimming. Listen to your body’s needs. Spend more hours in bed or take naps whenever you feel like it. Take particular care to keep warm if your treatment is booked for winter and wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. Add a few extra layers when you go for appointments as hospital corridors can feel chilly.

Checklist for the day of the operation

Check when you are being admitted. It may be the day before or on the morning of your operation. You need to know who to ask for and there may be a consent form to sign.
Check details such as visiting hours, car parking, drop-off and pick-up times.
Make sure you do not eat and drink before the operation if you’ve been advised not to do so.
Leave valuables at home and to remove any make-up, jewellery, nail varnish, hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses or false teeth.
For an overnight stay in hospital, bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and nightwear, slippers and a comfy dressing gown with pockets.
If you are feeling nervous, it may be possible to ask for a mild sedative before you have the anaesthetic.
Tell your anaesthetist if you have nasal congestion or suffer with snoring or sleep apnoea as they will need to monitor your airways while you are sedated.

After surgery

Depending on the type of surgery and any anaesthesia you've had, you may feel groggy and unable to move easily when you wake after the procedure. Listen to guidance of the nurses and only move around when advised.

Follow any gentle exercises you’ve been given and allow yourself lots of rest to aid full recovery. Maintain the same high level of nutrition as before your surgery.

If you need to stay in bed for a few days, get friends or family to help prepare meals and help you with washing and cleaning. Everyone needs extra help after having an operation, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Who underwrites Saga Health Insurance?

Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers and it is only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high levels of quality, service and choice. That's why we offer a range of policies that can be tailored to suit your needs and budget.