If you are taking any medications, you should ask your surgeon how they might interact with your anesthesia or your healing time, and whether or not you’ll have to change your dosages or change your medication schedule. You should also make sure that you complete any lab work that you’re asked for prior to the procedure - including blood or urine tests, to be sure that you’re physically capable of undergoing your procedure. Depending on the type of surgery you’ll be having, you may require a blood transfusion. You have the option of donating blood in advance of the surgery, asking friends or relatives to donate for you if needed, or allowing blood that was donated at a blood bank, such as the Red Cross, to be transfused as needed.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Surgery can be a scary, emotionally taxing experience. When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones, like cortisol, which can affect the body in a number of ways. Cortisol causes headaches or anxiety, or even weakening of the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections or manage pain after surgery.

Educating yourself about the procedure that you’re going to be having done can help ease your stress levels. Some researchers suggest that visualization - picturing the body successfully going through the procedure, having a successful outcome and a quick recovery - can actually help the body recover more quickly. Relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and meditation, can also help you prepare yourself emotionally for the stress of surgery.

Prepare Your Environment.

Having surgery performed means that even if you are allowed to return home the same day, you will likely have limitations that you should plan for in advance of the procedure. If you have a multistory home and mobility will be an issue, set up a recovery room or area on the first floor that will provide easy access to a restroom, food, and other necessities without aggravating your surgical site with excessive motion. Prepare and freeze meals ahead of time so that you won’t have to cook for yourself while you’re recovering. Make arrangements for a friend or relative to stay with you to help around the house while you heal. If you have minor children, get help with them while you are in the hospital or in the days after the procedure. You will likely be tired, sore, on pain medications, and not able to care for them on your own. You will also want to try to schedule your procedure to maximize your time off from work and avoid trying to work, when possible Don't overextend yourself during the recovery period.