Preparing Yourself Emotionally and Physically for Surgery

Woman’s has years of experience in helping women through surgery. Adopting a positive attitude and preparing, both emotionally and physically, will set you on the road to recovery.

Prepare Emotionally

• Practice relaxation exercises
• Perform deep-breathing exercises
• Think positively
• Use visualization and imaging techniques
• Learn about managing pain after surgery
• Share questions and concerns with your doctor
• Review last minute instructions

Prepare Physically

• Stick to healthy foods. Your body needs good nutrition to fight infection and heal following surgery. This is NOT a time for dieting.
• Avoid dehydration. Drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day, preferably water.
• Practice the post-operative exercises your doctor recommends. You will need to do them during and after your hospital stay.
• Avoid shaving or waxing. Do not shave or wax your abdomen, thighs or the area around your vagina for at least a week before surgery. For breast surgery patients, do not shave underarms. Shaving with a razor can nick the skin. This increases the risk of getting a wound infection. If hair needs to be removed for your operation, it will be done at the hospital with special clippers.
• Prevention of DVT/PE before surgery
  Your doctor will assess your risk of DVT and order a treatment plan that may include:
  • Prescribed medications before or after surgery, or when you go home, to prevent blood clots.
  • Stopping certain medications before surgery.