Pre-Surgery Checklist
Better recovery = better preparation.
3-4 weeks before
- Medical clearance from primary doctor.
- Pre-op blood work + EKG if needed.
- Stop smoking — even short break helps healing.
- Limit alcohol.
- Get vaccines current.
- Address dental issues.
- Start light exercise — boosts recovery.
- Buy at-home recovery supplies.
1-2 weeks before
- Confirm meds list with surgeon (some stop, some continue).
- Stop blood thinners only if doctor says.
- Stop NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve) usually 1 week before.
- Stop herbs (ginkgo, garlic, vitamin E) — bleeding risk.
- Confirm transportation home day-of.
- Arrange caregiver for recovery period.
- Stock fridge + pantry.
- Prepare bedroom — close to bathroom.
Day before
- Follow exact eating + drinking rules.
- Shower with surgical scrub if instructed.
- Pack hospital bag.
- Pack: ID, insurance card, list of meds, glasses, hearing aids, CPAP, phone charger, comfortable clothes home.
- Remove jewelry + nail polish.
- Get good sleep.
- Confirm time + location.
Recovery setup at home
- Bedroom on first floor if possible.
- Reach phone, water, meds from bed.
- Walker / cane / wheelchair as needed.
- Raised toilet seat / shower chair.
- Frozen meals stocked.
- Clear walking paths — no rugs.
- Pet care arranged.
- Mail forwarding if longer recovery.
Post-op recovery
- Walk early + often (prevents clots).
- Pain manage on schedule (don't wait until severe).
- Wean off opioids ASAP — addiction risk.
- Watch incision daily — redness, drainage, swelling = call.
- Watch for confusion (post-op delirium common in seniors).
- Hydrate.
- Eat protein for healing.
- Follow up appointments.
Senior surgery risks
- Delirium (temporary confusion) — common.
- Pneumonia — sit up, breathe deep, walk.
- Blood clots — wear compression, walk.
- Falls during recovery — most common ER return.
- Constipation from anesthesia + opioids.
- Discuss ALL with anesthesia + surgeon.
Bring advocate
Spouse or adult child should be present at admission + discharge. Advocate hears doctor, asks questions you forget. Discharge instructions OVERWHELMING — second person catches details. Have list of questions ready. Don't leave hospital confused — ask until clear.