Weight
If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your body and joints. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.
Patient Resources
Preparing for Surgery
Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result.
Before Your Procedure
Know what to expect
Once you and your doctor decide that surgery will help you, you will need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.
Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to make sure you don't have any conditions that could interfere with the surgery or the outcomes.
Medications & Clearance
Medical preparation
Review every medication and supplement you take with your surgeon and your family physician well before your surgery date.
- Review all medications. Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
- Blood thinners and anti-inflammatories. If you are taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), warfarin, Eliquis, Plavix, Xarelto, Lovenox, or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
- Report any infections. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
- Treat dental and other issues. Have any tooth, gum, bladder, or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Peri-operative shower instructions: Download the instructions (PDF) and follow them before your procedure.
Getting Your Body Ready01 02 03
Health and lifestyle
Smoking
If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
Nutrition
Eat a well-balanced diet supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Home Preparation
Set up a safe recovery space
A few simple changes at home make the first weeks after surgery safer and easier.
- Arrange help. Ask someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, and laundry.
- Keep essentials close. Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery.
- Prevent falls. Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords.
Mobility Planning
Getting around after surgery
Think about how you will get around when you are not allowed to put weight on your foot or ankle. Options include crutches, a walker, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair. You may require pre-operative physical therapy in order to make sure you can appropriately use these devices.
Choose your device
Crutches, a walker, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair — your care team can help you decide which fits your surgery and your home.
Renting a knee scooter
Knee scooters are typically not covered by insurance, but you can rent one from various locations in Denver, or buy a used one.
Practice with your device before surgery so you feel steady on the day you come home.
Questions before your surgery date?
Dr. Jamieson's team can walk you through medications, clearance, and what to arrange at home.
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