Prepare For Your Surgery

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t have to have surgery at all. But if that’s not an option, then the next best alternative is choosing to make the most of the situation – doing all that you can to have a successful surgery, heal quickly, avoid complications, and minimize side effects.

Being an active participant in your own care means taking a proactive role in planning and preparing for your surgery and the recovery to follow. This includes understanding the pros and cons of the procedure, understanding your risks and what you can do to avoid complications, learning ways to reduce side effects, and making the most of your body’s innate healing capacity.

Your surgical experience can be what you want it to be, and there’s a lot you can do to prepare yourself to have the best possible surgical experience!

Beginning with guidance from your surgeon, you can:

• Optimize your health to reduce the risks of complications and improve your course of recovery.
• Learn mind-body techniques that will help you reduce fear and anxiety and manage pain.
• Incorporate complementary practices that are effective for improving healing and reducing side effects.
• Be empowered when your needs, values, and preferences are taken into consideration by your healthcare team.