Preparing Your Body for Surgery: Blood Health and More

Undergoing surgery isn’t just about showing up on the day of the procedure — it’s about preparing your body safely and smartly in the weeks leading up to it.

Here’s how to get your body and blood ready for a successful surgery and smooth recovery:

🩸 1. Understand Your Blood Health

Before surgery, your doctor may run blood tests to evaluate your blood health, including:

• Red blood cell count (for anemia)

• Platelet levels (for clotting)

• Clotting function (PT, INR, aPTT)

  
  

Let your doctor know if you’ve ever had bleeding issues, clotting disorders, or take blood-thinning medications, as these all impact your blood health and surgical safety.

🚫 2. Pause Blood Thinners – But Only Under Medical Advice

Many supplements and medications thin the blood, increasing bleeding risk and affecting blood health. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop:

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

• Fish oil, vitamin E, garlic supplements

• Prescription blood thinners like warfarin or Eliquis

  
  

⚠️ Never stop these on your own — always consult your surgeon or primary care provider to protect your blood health.

🥦 3. Fuel Your Body with Nutrients

Support your immune system and blood health by eating:

• Iron-rich foods (spinach, lean meats, beans) to prevent anemia

• Vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers) to aid in tissue repair

• Protein (chicken, eggs, tofu) to rebuild strength and support healing

  
  

Proper nutrition boosts both your overall recovery and blood health leading into surgery.

💧 4. Stay Well-Hydrated

Dehydration can thicken your blood and reduce circulation, affecting blood health and healing. Drink plenty of water unless your doctor advises otherwise.

🚭 5. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol impair blood health, delay healing, and increase bleeding and anesthesia risks. Quitting even 2–3 weeks before surgery can significantly improve your outcome.

🧘 6. Get Rest & Reduce Stress

A strong immune system and balanced Blood Health depend on proper rest. Light exercise, deep breathing, and quality sleep help regulate your healing hormones and stress levels.

Additional Pre-Surgery Tips (Beyond the Basics)

🔍 1. Ask About Preoperative Optimization Programs

Many hospitals offer “prehabilitation” or pre-op optimization programs that focus on:

• Nutritional counseling

• Physical therapy exercises

• Smoking/alcohol cessation support

• Managing chronic conditions that affect blood health (like anemia, high blood pressure, or diabetes)

These programs can reduce complications and improve your overall health before surgery.

🧬 2. Get Tested for Hidden Anemia or Vitamin Deficiencies

Even mild anemia can compromise your blood health and surgical safety. Ask your doctor to check:

• Hemoglobin / Hematocrit

• Iron & ferritin

• Vitamin B12 and folate

• Vitamin D (important for bone healing)

Improving your blood health through oral or IV supplements can help prevent post-op fatigue and slow healing.

💊 3. Talk About Blood Loss and Alternatives

If you're concerned about transfusions, ask your care team about blood health strategies like:

• Blood-conserving surgical techniques

• Cell salvage (recycling your own blood)

• Erythropoietin injections to increase red blood cell production

These options support blood health while respecting your personal or medical preferences.

🛏️ 4. Plan for Post-Surgery Mobility

Prolonged immobility can affect circulation and blood health, increasing clot risks. Prepare:

• Compression socks or boots

• Early walking or physical therapy

• Post-op blood-thinning medication, if recommended

  
  

📅 5. Time Your Menstrual Cycle (for Women)

For those who menstruate, scheduling elective surgery outside your period may help minimize discomfort and support better blood health management.

Always inform your doctor about hormonal therapies or birth control.

🚿 6. Follow Pre-Surgery Hygiene Rules

To reduce infection risk and support your body's healing (and indirectly your blood health), follow pre-op instructions like:

• Using antiseptic soap (e.g. Hibiclens)

• Skipping deodorant, lotion, or makeup

• Avoiding shaving near the surgical area

• 
  

Summary Checklist for Pre-Surgery Prep:

✅ Blood tests for anemia/clotting (supporting blood health)

✅ Pause supplements or meds as advised

✅ Hydrate and eat iron/protein-rich foods

✅ Quit smoking/alcohol 2–4 weeks prior

✅ Ask about compression socks or anti-clot protocols

✅ Use antiseptic wash as directed

✅ Arrange post-op support at home

💬 Bottom Line

Preparing for surgery isn’t just about logistics — it’s about optimizing your internal systems, especially your

, for a smoother, safer recovery. Follow your surgeon’s guidance, ask questions, and take these steps to help your body heal from the inside out.

Remember to always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or exercise regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

References:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Preparing for Surgery: A Patient Guide. https://www.asahq.org

• World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. 2011.

• Cleveland Clinic. Best foods to eat before surgery.

  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-foods-to-eat-before-surgery/

• CDC. How Smoking Affects Recovery from Surgery. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/surgery.html

• American College of Surgeons. Strong for Surgery initiative. https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/strong-for-surgery/