Smart Steps Before Your Surgery: Can save a lot

A Practical Guide to Plan and Prepare: Your Elective Surgery

Undergoing elective surgery can be a big decision, and it is important to be fully informed and prepared before going under the knife. Proper planning and research can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications. 

 Proper planning and research 

In this blog, we will discuss some important steps to take before undergoing elective surgery, including questions to ask your doctor and resources to help you research the procedure.

Elective Surgery

How to Plan and research

Step 1: Consult with Your Doctor

The first step in planning for elective surgery is to consult with your doctor. Your Doctor will evaluate your health and determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. They will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the expected outcome.

During your consultation, it is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your medical history, lifestyle, and any medications you are currently taking. This information will help your Doctor assess your health status and determine if there are any potential risks or complications that could arise during or after the surgery.

consult with your doctor

Step 2: Research the Procedure

After consulting with your physician, it is important to research the procedure thoroughly. You can do this by reading books, articles, and medical journals, as well as by talking to other patients who have undergone the same surgery. There are also many online resources available, including the website of the American College of surgeons , which provides information on a wide range of elective surgeries.

research the procedure 

One valuable resource for researching elective surgeries is the website of the Johns Hopkins Medicine. The website provides a list of questions that patients should ask their doctors before undergoing surgery. These questions cover a wide range of topics, including the surgeon's experience and qualifications, the expected outcome of the surgery, and the risks and potential complications.

Step 3: Choose a Qualified Surgeon

Choosing a qualified Surgeon is critical to the success of your surgery. You should look for a surgeon who is board-certified and has experience performing the procedure you are considering. You should also research the surgeon's reputation and read reviews from other patients.

Choosing a qualified Surgeon

When you meet with your surgeon, it is important to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon and have confidence in their ability to perform the procedure.

Step 4: Talk to your health insurance provider

It is important to thoroughly review your insurance policy and ask any relevant questions to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your coverage before undergoing an elective surgery.

review your insurance policy provider

Step 5: Be Prepared and be strong 

Preparing for surgery involves taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Before the surgery, your physician will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as following a specific diet or avoiding certain medications.

Preparing for surgery

You should also take steps to ensure that you are in good health leading up to the surgery. This includes getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Mentally, it is important to prepare for the surgery by understanding what to expect during the recovery process and developing a support system to help you through it.

Eating a healthy diet

Step 6: Have Realistic Expectations

It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. You should discuss your expectations with your surgeon and understand that the surgery may not achieve all of your desired results. It is also important to understand that the recovery process may be longer and more challenging than you anticipated.

Have Realistic Expectations

Now Expecting you have got a perfect surgeon. 

Questions to be asked before you take the decision

Surgeon qualifications and experience:

Question: What are the qualifications and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure?

Answer: It is important to choose a surgeon who is qualified and experienced in the specific type of surgery you are considering. You should ask your surgeon about their training, experience, and board certification. You can also research their background and credentials online. Additionally, you may want to ask your surgeon about their success rates with the particular surgery you are considering.

Risks and potential complications:

Question: What are the risks and potential complications associated with this surgery?

Answer: Every surgery comes with some degree of risk and potential complications. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery you are considering. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with detailed information on the specific risks and complications associated with the procedure, including any potential risks related to anesthesia. It is important to have a clear understanding of these risks so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the surgery.

Expected outcome:

Question: What is the expected outcome of the surgery?

Answer: Understanding the expected outcome of the surgery is crucial in making an informed decision about whether or not to proceed. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with information on what you can expect in terms of pain management, recovery time, and overall outcomes. It is important to have realistic expectations and to understand that there is no guarantee of a successful outcome.

Recovery process:

Question: What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take?

Answer: The recovery process can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual circumstances. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with information on what to expect during the recovery process, including how long it will take to recover and what limitations or restrictions you may need to follow during the recovery period. It is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully in order to optimize your recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Alternative treatments:

Question: Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more appropriate for my situation?

Answer: Depending on your specific medical condition, there may be alternative treatments or procedures that may be more appropriate for your situation. It is important to discuss all of your treatment options with your healthcare provider, including the potential risks and benefits of each option, before making a decision about surgery. In some cases, non-surgical treatments or procedures may be just as effective as surgery in addressing your medical condition.

Preparation:

Question: What should I do to prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?

Answer: Preparation for surgery can involve both physical and mental preparation. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including any necessary pre-operative testing, restrictions on eating or drinking, and any medications you may need to take. It is also important to prepare mentally for surgery, including managing any anxiety or concerns you may have about the procedure. Consider discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider or seeking the help of a mental health professional if necessary.

Medications and diet:

Question: Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific diet before or after the surgery?

Answer: Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may need to take certain medications or follow a specific diet before or after the procedure. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions on any necessary medications or dietary restrictions to follow. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to optimize your recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Time for PRO-tip:

Don't forget to bargain the cost and overall price, you might be surprised by the unexpected reality if you are dealing with corporate hospital/ private practitioner.

Don't forget to bargain