Preparing for Surgery
You can start preparing for your surgery as soon as you have decided to go ahead with the procedure. Good nutrition is important for healing. Read through our nutrition area for tips on healthy eating. Stay as active as you can. Get a discount at a local fitness center. Cutting back on alcohol and tobacco will help your recovery. Read through information on our smoking cessation programs. These changes are best made several weeks before surgery since your body may react unpleasantly to sudden changes in your habits.
Sign Up to 'Email Your Doctor'
Before and after your surgery, we'll have a lot to communicate with you about. If you use email, we'd like you to sign up for a secure Kaiser mailbox so we can discuss your private health information over email.
Prepare for your Procedure Online
We offer interactive instructions for many common surgical procedures that you can use to learn more about your upcoming surgery.
Use the list below to find your surgical procedure, click on the link and then follow the directions on the screen:
- Cardiology: Cardiac Pacemaker, Heart Valve Surgery
- Head and Neck: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Myringotomy, Parathyroidectomy for HPT, Thyroidectomy, Tonsillectomy
- OB/Gyn: Abdominal Hysterectomy, Hysteroscopy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, C-Section
- Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery, Lasik Surgery
- Orthopedics: ACL Reconstruction, Carpal Tunnel Release, Total Hip replacement, Lumbar Interbody - Fusion Posterior or Transform, Lumbar
Microdiscectomy, Anterior cervical discectomy/fusion, Lumbar laminectomy, Knee arthroscopy, Shoulder arthroscopy, Total Knee replacement - Plastic Surgery: Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Facelift, Liposuction
- Podiatry: Bunionectomy
- Pulmonary: Bronchoscopy
- Surgery: Breast Biopsy, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Colectomy, Inguinal Hernia Repair, Laparoscopy, Lumpectomy, Mastectomy
- Urology: Urethral Sling, Vasectomy
Prepare for Successful Surgery Audio Program
Preparing for Successful Surgery is an audio program designed to help you mentally prepare for and recover from surgery. The program uses various mind-body techniques such as guided imagery, affirmations, and relaxation with music:
Other educational resources to help patients prepare for surgery are also available from the health education department including videos and audio CDs. These materials are available in the health education center on the first floor of the West Medical Office Building [Map].
Herbal Supplements and Surgery
Herbal Supplements and over-the–counter (OTC) medications can interact with anesthesia or cause prolonged bleeding times. Be sure to tell your anesthesiologist and surgeon about any drugs, including herbal supplements and OTC drugs that you are taking. Be sure to include the frequency and dose.
The following herbs can affect heart rate and blood pressure:
- Ginseng
- Golden Seal
- Ephedra (ma-huang)
- Licorice
The following herbs may increase your risk of bleeding:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginkgo
- Feverfew
- Danshen
- Dong quai
It is recommended that you stop taking herbal supplements at least one week before your surgery to allow them to exit your body.
Blood Transfusions
You have several options for blood transfusions although these may be limited by time and by health factors. You may choose to donate your own blood before surgery or elect to receive blood from a community donor if necessary. Read more about blood transfusions and all the options available to you.
Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, it is important that you discuss your symptoms with us. Please read our FAQs on sleep apnea and surgery.