Preparing for Surgery

A Pre & Post-Operative Guide

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Pre-Operative Guide

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the process smoother. This guide will walk you through important steps to get ready for your procedure and support a safe, comfortable recovery.

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  • Anesthesia & Medications
    • Depending on your specific needs, you’ll either be set up with a pretesting anesthesia appointment or receive a screening over the phone from the pretesting team.
    • One week prior to surgery, stop anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin, as they will make you bleed more than usual. Please review your complete list of medications. This will make surgery safer and help to prevent surgery cancellation. Contact your primary care doctor or cardiologist about any other medications, such as blood thinners/anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, etc.
    • If you have a history of nausea after surgery, please request a prescription for anti-nausea medication before discharge from the hospital.
    • IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICATIONS, PLEASE CALL YOUR PRESCRIBING DOCTOR.

  • Arrange a Ride Home
    • After your surgery, you will not be permitted to drive a car or leave the hospital unattended. You also will not be able to arrange a cab or a ride service company to take you home.
    • Arrange transportation to and from the hospital in advance with a responsible adult.

  • Ambulatory Assisted Devices
    • Outpatient Surgery: You’ll receive crutches or a walker in the recovery room. You will need to secure other equipment on your own, such as a rolling walker or knee scooter. These can be purchased through a medical supply store or online.
    • Inpatient Surgery: Ambulatory assisted devices will be arranged during your hospital stay.
    • If you own ambulatory devices, please bring them with you on the day of surgery.

  • Prepare Your Bathroom
    • Preparing your bathroom before surgery is important, since this is where accidents are more likely to happen during your recovery.
    • Keep the toiletries you’ll need within easy reach on the counter.
    • When you’re allowed to shower or bath, use a slip-resistant mat inside the tub and a slip-resistant rug outside to help prevent falls.

  • Ask for Help
    • Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your operation.
    • Identify a family member or close friend who will be able to monitor and assist you throughout your recovery period, particularly for the week following surgery.

  • Surgery Date and Financing
    • IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR SURGERY, PLEASE CALL ASAP SO WE CAN PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
    • Expected arrival time for surgery is determined by the day surgery center. They will contact you the business day prior to surgery (usually by 3 p.m.) to inform you of your arrival time for surgery. If your surgery is on a Monday, you will receive a call the Friday before.
      • For any questions or directions, please call:
        • Galveston (409) 772-4448
        • League City (832) 505-1200
    • Our financial coordinator may be contacted by phone to address financial questions or issues related to insurance authorization:
      • Galveston (409) 772 5652
      • League City (832) 505-1804
    • Please contact the clinic with questions you may have regarding the surgery itself or any health condition that may present a problem or risk for any surgery:
      • Galveston (409) 266-7846
      • League City (832) 505-1200

Post-Operative Guide

Your recovery after surgery is an important part of getting back to your normal activities. This guide will help you understand what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to reach out for support.

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  • Dressings
    • Most dressings aren’t changed until your first post-op visit. Keep all dressings clean and dry unless your discharge instructions say otherwise.
    • If your dressing gets wet for any reason, contact the clinic so we can advise you or schedule an earlier visit.
    • Some bleeding through the dressing is normal. Simply add extra gauze on top. If the bleeding seems heavy or unusual, contact the clinic or go to the emergency room.

  • Swelling
    • Swelling in the operated extremity is common after surgery. However, if your toes or fingers turn dark blue, black, or completely white, contact the clinic immediately.

  • Constipation
    • You may experience constipation from narcotics, anesthesia, or immobility.
    • We recommend purchasing an over-the-counter stool softener to take daily (such as Colace or MiraLAX).
    • You should also increase your fluids while on any narcotic medications.
    • If you develop severe abdominal pain, constipation, and/or nausea/vomiting, please go directly to the emergency department for evaluation.

  • Infection
    • Infection is uncommon, especially during the first week after surgery.
    • A low-grade fever is very common following surgery and is not a sign of infection.
    • Temperature greater than 100.4, red streaking from surgical site, a foul smell, pus drainage, or excessive drainage are signs and symptoms of an infection. If any of these events occur, please contact the clinic immediately.
      • League City (832) 505-1200
      • Galveston (409) 266-7846
    • After surgery, you will receive a phone number that you can call for 30 days after being discharged to access a live person Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Ready for a Health Reset? UTMB Experts Share How to Start 2026 Strong

Every new year brings a fresh chance to feel better, move more, and live the life you want—and UTMB Health is ready to help you make it happen. Whether you’re starting a fitness or weight loss routine, prioritizing preventive care, or finally tackling those lingering aches, our health care professionals are here with the guidance, tools, and support you need to take control of your well-being. This is your moment to reset, recharge, and take bold steps toward a healthier you. Together, we can make 2026 the year you feel your best and turn your health goals into real progress with a clear path toward better health.  

Reclaiming good health can start with finding the right support through a weight loss journey, connecting with a helpful primary care specialist to help keep you on track with preventive screenings and early detection, and consulting with a caring orthopedist who can help address the joint pain or injuries that have been limiting your mobility so you can return to the active lifestyle you might have been missing.   

Dr. Andrea Stark, a fellowship-trained Obesity Medicine specialist, Dr. Saul Fredrickson, assistant professor of Joint Reconstruction the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Dr. Madiha Khan, a primary care physician who specializes in Family Medicine, have guidance and information to offer those who are ready to start the new year on a path to reclaiming their health.

Your First Steps Toward Healthy Weight: Tips from an Obesity Medicine Specialist

“Obesity is complex, and it affects each person differently,” Dr. Stark said. “I begin by explaining to my patients that they are not alone, and we address this condition with a team-based approach. With support, individualized care, and evidence-based treatments, long-term success can be achieved.”

Here is Dr. Stark’s advice for meaningful, lasting changes:

  • Understand that obesity is a lifelong disease, like hypertension or diabetes, and should be treated as such. You will need lifelong management and support.
  • Some weight loss can be managed with lifestyle interventions, but not everyone responds the same way. Don’t allow yourself to feel stigmatized by that. This is not about willpower, so there is no need for self-blame.
  • Speak to an obesity medicine specialist and get an individualized prescription plan that includes evidence-based nutritional guidelines and an exercise plan, then close follow-up from a multidisciplinary team that includes a dietician, a primary care specialist, and a counselor.
  • An obesity medicine specialist can direct you to the right GLP1 medications that are highly effective if you are not ready for a surgical option. You can feel confident that these medications are likely to work.
  • Find a provider who will treat and understand your specific circumstances, educate you about your treatment options, use a multidisciplinary team approach to your treatment, and set you up for success. There are many resources available. Together, we will find the right one for you.

Find an Obesity Medicine Specialist near you.

Ready, Set, Move! Orthopedic Care Can Help

“If joint pain or injury has forced you to scale back on the activities you used to love, then it may be time to visit your orthopedist,” Dr. Fredrickson said. “Today, orthopedic care can offer more options, and better outcomes, than ever before. There are many effective paths back to movement, strength, and daily activities.”

Here’s what Dr. Fredrickson suggests:

  • Even if you think you can never get back to your activities because of constant joint pain, or pain from a lingering injury, there is still hope. Many treatments are non-surgical and very effective.
  • If you do require surgery, such as a joint replacement, there is every reason to believe you will return to fully enjoying your previous activity level, including skiing, biking, or hiking. The rate of complications from joint replacement surgery is extremely low, and often, patients have the surgery and can be discharged the same day because of improvements in surgical techniques and pain management.
  • The decline of bone density and muscle mass is a normal part of getting older. Resistance and weight training is the most effective way to maintain muscle mass and bone density, to reduce fall risks, and help with the normal activities of daily life. The good news is, you’re never too old to start.
  • Your orthopedist can direct you to a good physical therapist to help you regain your full mobility after an injury or surgery.
  • UTMB has many orthopedists located all over the area, so there is plenty of support and opportunity available for you to find a doctor to help you regain your full mobility and activity level so you can have a longer, healthier life.

Find an Orthopedic Specialist near you.

A Primary Care Partnership Can Turn Wellness Goals into Lasting Results

“I think a healthy beginning starts with attainable goals—within your time, budget, and household’s limits,” said Dr. Khan. “I can give advice, but real change happens when patients are ready, and when we build a plan together that actually fits their life.”

She begins by reaffirming with each patient that primary care is focused on preventing disease before it ever starts, and often, the first step is a look at nutrition and exercise.

She offers the following evidence-based strategies:

  • Everyone can benefit from taking a good look what they’re eating and what ingredients are in their food. Now is a good time to go to the cupboards and cabinets and discard the processed foods in favor of lean proteins and fresh produce.
  • Your primary care provider can partner with you to help you achieve your wellness goals—but success requires a willingness to embrace change. Look for a PCP who takes the time to understand your background, household, and readiness for change, and who can help tailor a healthy, achievable diet to your individual needs.
  • Getting healthier means getting stronger. That’s why exercise is key but start by making perhaps just three small changes. For example, try to walk for 10 minutes, but add light ankle weights. Begin with small, incremental changes—not an overhaul. Remember, your PCP is there to check in with you, keep you motivated, and help you stay on track.
  • Your PCP will help you understand the link between chronic conditions and wellness goals. If you have a heart condition or diabetes, your PCP will explain to you how weight loss, exercise, and other lifestyle changes could help get you off certain medications and improve or even resolve those health issues. 

Find a Primary Care Physician near you.