Pre-Surgery Preparation Checklist
The weeks before your surgery are crucial for setting yourself up for the best possible recovery. Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared.
2-3 Weeks Before Surgery
- Schedule pre-operative appointments and tests
- Review and understand your pre-surgery instructions
- Arrange time off work and childcare if needed
- Prepare your home environment for recovery
- Stock up on prescribed medications
- Create a support team and delegate responsibilities
- Research your surgeon and hospital thoroughly
- Understand your insurance coverage and costs
1 Week Before Surgery
- Confirm surgery time and arrival instructions
- Complete any required bowel prep or fasting
- Pack your hospital bag with essentials
- Arrange transportation to and from hospital
- Prepare comfortable recovery clothes
- Set up recovery space at home
- Meal prep or arrange meal delivery
- Charge devices and prepare entertainment
Day Before Surgery
- Follow all pre-operative instructions exactly
- Get a good night's sleep
- Stay hydrated (until cutoff time)
- Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications
- Confirm arrival time and location
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Review your recovery plan with support person
Week-by-Week Recovery Expectations
Recovery timelines vary, but here's a general framework to help set realistic expectations. Always follow your medical team's specific guidance.
Week 1: Immediate Recovery
- Focus: Rest, pain management, basic mobility
- Expect: Fatigue, discomfort, limited appetite
- Goals: Follow medication schedule, short walks, deep breathing
- Warning signs to watch: Severe pain, fever, unusual bleeding
Week 2: Stabilization
- Focus: Gradual activity increase, wound care
- Expect: Improved appetite, less pain medication needed
- Goals: Longer walks, light household tasks
- Milestone: Follow-up appointment with surgeon
Weeks 3-4: Building Strength
- Focus: Returning to light activities, managing fatigue
- Expect: Energy fluctuations, emotional ups and downs
- Goals: Driving (if cleared), light exercise, social activities
- Milestone: Return to modified work schedule (if applicable)
Weeks 5-8: Gradual Return
- Focus: Resuming normal activities, building endurance
- Expect: Significant improvement in energy and mood
- Goals: Full work schedule, exercise routine, social engagement
- Milestone: 6-week post-op appointment
Months 2-3: New Normal
- Focus: Adapting to long-term changes, psychological adjustment
- Expect: Continued healing, emotional processing
- Goals: Full activity level, lifestyle adjustments
- Milestone: 3-month follow-up and clearance
Essential Questions for Your Medical Team
Being an informed patient leads to better outcomes. Use these questions to ensure you have all the information you need.
Pre-Surgery Questions
- What exactly will happen during my surgery?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What are the risks and potential complications?
- What type of anesthesia will be used?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What should I expect immediately after surgery?
- When can I resume normal activities?
- What are the long-term effects or lifestyle changes?
Recovery & Follow-up Questions
- What pain management options are available?
- How do I care for my incision/surgical site?
- What activities should I avoid and for how long?
- When should I be concerned and call your office?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments?
- Are there any dietary restrictions?
- When can I drive, lift weights, or exercise?
- What support services are available?
Recovery Milestone Tracker
Track your progress and celebrate achievements along your recovery journey.
First Steps
Walking within 24-48 hours post-surgery
Date: ___________
Home Sweet Home
Discharged from hospital
Date: ___________
Appetite Returns
Enjoying full meals again
Date: ___________
Sleep Soundly
Sleeping through the night
Date: ___________
Independence
Managing daily tasks alone
Date: ___________
Back to Work
Returning to work/normal routine
Date: ___________
Building Your Support Team
Recovery is not a solo journey. Identify and organize your support network before surgery.
Key Support Roles
- Primary Caregiver: ________________________
- Transportation Coordinator: _________________
- Meal Organizer: ____________________________
- Pet/Child Care: ____________________________
- Emotional Support: __________________________
- Medical Advocate: ___________________________
- Work Coordinator: ___________________________
- Emergency Contact: __________________________
Communication Plan
- Create group chat for updates
- Designate one person to coordinate communication
- Set expectations for visit frequency and length
- Establish quiet hours for rest
- Plan for both immediate and extended recovery needs
Need Personalized Support During Your Recovery?
This guide provides general information, but every recovery journey is unique. As a chronic disease recovery coach, I provide personalized support to help you navigate the challenges, setbacks, and victories of your healing process.
Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Questions about this guide? Email me at info@vivecoaching.com
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your specific surgery and recovery. Individual experiences may vary significantly.