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Your Surgery Journey: Patient Guide

Introduction to your surgery journey

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you’re having surgery, you p​robably have some questions. This guide will help you get ready for your surgery and explains the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Care Pathway. You’ll find out about what to expect before you go to the hospital, what happens on the day of your surgery, and what you’ll need to do when you go home after surgery. The ERAS Care Pathway helps you get ready for surgery, feel better sooner, and recover faster.

The steps in the ERAS Care Pathway, along with your healthcare team, will help you:

  • plan ahead for your recovery​
  • be as healthy as possible before your surgery, this includes:
    • being active
    • eating healthy and drinking enough fluids
    • managing your medical conditions
    • quitting tobacco
    • not drinking alcohol in the 24 hours before surgery
  • get the information you need before your surgery by talking with someone from the Pre-Admission Clinic
  • know what to do and what to expect the day before and the day of surgery
  • recover after your surgery by:
    • being active
    • eating healthy and drinking enough fluids
    • controll​ing pain and nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
    ​ ​
    • ​prepare for leaving the hospital (your discharge)
    • support your recovery at home

    Knowing what to expect will help you get ready for your surgery journey. It’s important to know:

    • You have an active part in getting ready for your surgery and recovery.
    • You and your family are important parts of the healthcare team.
    • The best time to plan for your recovery is before your surgery.

    For more information, watch Your Surgery Journey Video Series​. ​

Current as of: October 7, 2022

Author: Surgery Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services