Time for surgery? Here's how to prepare

If you’re facing the potential of having surgery, you aren’t alone. More than 15 million Americans undergo surgery each year, according to the American College of Surgeons. Whether it’s still a possibility or the date has been set, it is important to be prepared and for that, we turned to the experts at LMH Health. It is important to note that every surgery is different and therefore may require different levels of preparation.

Is surgery the best option?

Your doctor may begin treating your condition with conservative treatment options, but you may find they recommend surgery as the best course of action to get you healthy and well. 

Jared Konie, MD, FACS

“Surgery is often the last resort,” said Jared Konie, MD, FACS, a surgeon with Lawrence General Surgery. “If you need to have surgery, we want to make it as safe as possible and provide the best long-term results.”

When deciding whether or not to have surgery, it’s important to ask questions. Here are a few to start with:

• What will happen if I don’t have surgery?
• What are my other options?
• What are the risks and benefits of both conservative care and surgical intervention?
• What will be required of me after surgery from a recovery and rehab perspective for an optimal outcome?
• How often do you do this surgery?
• Why should I have this surgery at LMH Health?

“Lawrence is a big town that feels smaller and smaller the longer you live here. Our patients are our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family,” said Dr. Konie. “The care we provide and the decisions we make together are the same we would make for our own family and yours.” 

Surgical office appointment

During this visit, your surgeon will gather information about your medical and surgical history, your current medications, discuss your condition and expectations, and determine whether or not surgery is right for you.  When preparing for your surgery appointment, follow these tips:

• Bring someone with you: During your appointment, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information you receive. It can be helpful to have another person in the room to help remember information and ask questions that you may not have thought of.
• Bring something to write on: Whether you use a notepad or the note section of your phone, write down any questions you’d like to ask your surgeon. During your appointment, write down as much information as you need and any new questions that may arise.
• Research your surgery: One of the best ways to gather questions about the surgery and recovery is to gather information. Visit reputable websites such as lmh.org to learn more.
• Ask questions: There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health. The goal is for you to understand what is going to happen and to address any concerns you may have. It is never too late to ask questions. If you think of more between your appointment and surgery, write them down and ask, even if it’s the morning of surgery.
• Talk about your anxiety: It is normal to be scared or anxious about surgery. Talking to your surgeon about what aspects of the surgery are causing fear or anxiety is a great way to help them address it.

Preparation for surgery

Douglass Stull, MD

The date of your operation has been set, so now what? It is normal to feel anxious about what’s coming. When preparing for your surgery, it is important you do the following:

• Talk with your physician about any supplements you may take: It is important to talk to your surgeon about what supplements you take. Certain supplements work as blood thinners or immune suppressants and can cause complications during and after your surgery.
• Do not consume nicotine in any form: Nicotine is harmful to your recovery. Your body relies on a healthy blood supply to the traumatized tissue, and nicotine decreases that critical blood supply as it constricts blood vessels. 
• Eat high-protein foods: A well-balanced diet with slightly higher protein content will fill your body’s nutritional tank. This will help healing and decrease your chance of infection.
• Avoid alcohol: It is important that you avoid anything that could dehydrate you around the time of surgery.
• Remove jewelry: Metal jewelry can conduct electrical currents during surgery and cause burns.
• Wear loose clothing: It is important that you wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to take off and put back on after your surgery.
• Avoid bringing valuable items: Bring your ID and any documentation that is needed on the day of surgery. Leave your jewelry and watch at home.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about when to stop eating and drinking: If you have food or liquid in your stomach and get put under anesthesia, you may be at an increased risk of aspiration (stomach contents getting into your lungs). Not following your doctor’s instructions may lead to your surgery being canceled.

“Surgery is similar to a physical test, competition or intense workout,” said Douglass Stull, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with OrthoKansas. “Preparation for this requires rest, nutrition, hydration and mental clarity.”

Recovery

Prior to your procedure, your surgeon will talk with you about what to expect afterward. This may include providing you with a list of items to bring with you and have on hand after surgery. They will also discuss the best way to minimize pain and swelling, and provide any additional information you will need, including post-op instructions about diet, medications, exercise and rest.

“Listen to your body,” Dr. Konie said. “Your activity level afterward will depend on the type of surgery.”

Your body will begin to recover immediately following the procedure. Most patients can shower 24-48 hours after surgery depending upon the type of surgery. Take the time to rest and allow your body to recover and process what it went through.

“Surgery is just the beginning of a healing process that will require a certain amount of recovery and rehabilitation. That is just as important as the surgery itself,” Dr. Stull said. “Reach out to your surgeon if you have any concerns.”