Pre-Surgery Nerves

Pre-Surgery Nerves: How to Prepare and Stay Calm Before Surgery

Feeling anxious before surgery is completely normal. Whether it’s weight loss surgery or another procedure, it’s natural to experience pre-surgery nerves. Surgery is a significant step, and taking time to prepare both mentally and physically can make the process much smoother.

At Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, and his highly experienced team of anaesthetists, theatre nurses, and surgical assistants will be with you every step of the way. You’re in safe hands, and our team is here to support you throughout your journey.

How to Calm Pre-Surgery Anxiety

If you’re feeling nervous, here are some practical strategies to help ease your mind before surgery:

• Talk it through – Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member.
• Join our support group – Connect with others in our private Facebook group who are going through the same journey.
• Keep your schedule light – Avoid starting new projects and try to keep a calm routine in the lead-up to surgery.
• Practice relaxation techniques – Meditation, gentle walking, or listening to music can help reduce anxiety.
• Plan your post-op meals – Use the resources from our Dietitian to get ahead with food preparation.
• Get plenty of rest – Aim for consistent, quality sleep in the days before surgery.
• Pack your hospital bag early – Having everything ready can reduce stress on the day.

What to Pack for Surgery Day

To make your hospital stay more comfortable, consider including the following in your bag:

• Warm clothing – A dressing gown, cosy socks, and loose outfits (you’ll have IV fluids for the first 24 hours).
• Lip balm – Anaesthetic drugs and hospital air conditioning can cause dry lips.
• Entertainment – Bring an iPad, charger, and headphones for Netflix or reading.
• Wipes – Baby wipes or makeup wipes for quick refreshment.
• Earplugs – Hospitals can be noisy at night, so these help with rest.

After surgery, you’ll likely spend the first 24 hours resting and recovering. Gentle walking, when possible, is encouraged as it helps with circulation, digestion, and relieving shoulder-tip gas.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Deciding to undergo surgery is a huge step, and managing your pre-surgery nerves is often the hardest part. Remember, you are not alone – our entire team is dedicated to supporting you before, during, and after your procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly staff at 07 3871 2277 or contact us here.