MSMathew Silvaggio, MDPrehabilitation
Guides

Preparing for surgery, explained.

Free, evidence-based guides from a physician who has been the patient. Start with the complete guide, or go straight to the area you want to work on. Each one draws on Built to Recover.

Start here · 6 min read

How to Prepare for Surgery: The Complete Prehabilitation Guide

You can do far more than wait for your surgery date. Here is how to use the weeks beforehand to recover faster, in four pillars.

Read the guide →
  • 1. NutritionProtein, carbohydrates and vitamin D
  • 2. Physical fitnessAerobic fitness, strength and balance
  • 3. Respiratory fitnessTraining your breathing muscles
  • 4. Psychological preparednessCalm, confidence and support
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Find the guide you need.

New guides are added regularly. Topics marked "coming soon" are on the way.

Before you start

Working with your surgical team

Questions to ask, and how to share your preparation plan.

10 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before SurgeryWhat to ask before your operation, and what to listen for in the answers.5 min read →
Coming soon
  • How soon should you start preparing? Plans for 2, 4 and 8 weeks
  • Taking Ozempic or Wegovy? What to ask before surgery
Pillar 1

Nutrition

Building your protein bank and fuelling your body for healing.

How Much Protein Should You Eat Before Surgery?How much to eat, how to work out your own target, and when to start.3 min read →
Coming soon
  • Carb loading before surgery: what it is and who should skip it
  • Vitamin D before surgery
Pillar 2

Physical fitness

Strength, stamina and balance for the road ahead, at any starting level.

Coming soon
  • Exercises to do before surgery, whatever your fitness level
  • Preparing for knee or hip replacement
Pillar 3

Respiratory fitness

Protecting your lungs through the vulnerable hours after surgery.

Coming soon
  • Breathing exercises before surgery: training your lungs
  • How many weeks before surgery should you quit smoking?
Pillar 4

Psychological preparedness

Easing anxiety and gathering the support you need.

How to Calm Your Nerves Before Surgery: 3 Evidence-Based TechniquesThree simple, proven ways to ease anxiety before surgery, and why it helps your body recover.5 min read →
Coming soon
  • How to help someone you love prepare for surgery
Personal stories

From the patient's side

What preparing for his own major surgery taught a physician.

Both Sides of the Operating Table: What My Own Cancer Surgery Taught MeA physician becomes the patient, on preparation, control and hope.6 min read →
Coming soon
  • Preparing for cancer surgery during chemotherapy
  • Preparing for an esophagectomy: a physician's own experience

These guides are for general educational purposes only and are not medical advice or a substitute for the judgement of your healthcare team. Always talk with your own surgeon or surgical team before making changes before surgery.