Preparing for a Planned Surgery

Start with honest conversations

One of the most important steps happens before you ever enter the operating room—communicating with your surgical team. Don’t hold back your questions, no matter how simple they might seem. Ask your surgeon exactly what the procedure involves, how long recovery typically takes, and what specific limitations you might face afterward. If you take any medications—prescription, over-the-counter, or supplements—bring a complete list to your pre-operative appointment. Some medications, including common ones such as aspirin or certain supplements, may need to be stopped before surgery.

If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems, make sure your surgeon knows about them, and that your regular doctors know about your upcoming surgery. They may want to coordinate with your surgical team.

Get your body—and mind—ready

The weeks before surgery are an opportunity to strengthen your body for what’s ahead. If you smoke, this is the single most important time to quit or at least cut back significantly. Smoking interferes with healing and increases the risk of complications. Your doctor can help you with cessation strategies if you need them.

Nutrition matters more than you might think. Eating well-balanced meals with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables helps your body build reserves for healing.

If your doctor approves, gentle exercise like walking can help maintain your strength and stamina. However, always check first, because some conditions require rest before surgery.

And finally, take time to prepare mentally. A recent research study revealed that older adults who report more sources of stress take longer to recover from planned surgeries and end up spending more time in the hospital. Daily meditations or talk therapy may help you better manage your stress.

Plan for a successful recovery

Think about what your first few weeks at home will look like. If your bedroom is upstairs and you’ll have trouble with stairs, consider setting up a temporary sleeping area on the main floor. Move items you use daily to easy-to-reach locations so you won’t need to stretch or bend. Remove throw rugs and clear pathways to prevent tripping, especially if you’ll be using a walker or cane.

Line up your support team

Recovery is much easier when you don’t have to do it alone. It’s likely that you will be required to have someone drive you home from the hospital. Beyond that, think about who can help you in the days and weeks that follow. If you live alone and don’t have family nearby, ask your hospital’s social worker about community resources or home health services. Many communities have programs specifically designed to help older adults during recovery periods.

Know what to expect

Ask your surgical team what’s normal after your procedure and what warning signs should prompt you to call them immediately. Understanding the difference between expected discomfort and concerning symptoms will help you feel more confident during recovery. At home, make sure you have all relevant phone numbers, including after-hours contacts, written down where you can easily find them.

The night before surgery, follow all instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Set alarms if needed—these rules are in place for your safety.

Surgery is never a small thing, regardless of age. The key is approaching it as a team effort between you, your medical providers, and your support network. Remember, your surgical team wants you to succeed just as much as you do. If something is worrying you or you need help with any aspect of preparation, reach out to them. That’s what they’re there for.