Preparing for surgery – Fitter Better Sooner

Having an operation is a major event in someone’s life and it’s normal for them to feel anxious about it.

Fitter patients who are able to improve their health and activity levels recover from surgery more quickly and with fewer complications. What you do in the time leading up to surgery can have a really big impact on your recovery and long term health.

Our Fitter Better Sooner resources will provide you with the information you need to become fitter and better prepared for your operation. 

Use the links below to read the procedure-specific leaflets in the toolkit and view the accompanying animation. You can also download a copy of the Fitter Better Sooner animation via Vimeo here.

If you are feeling anxious about having an operation or have needle phobia, please see our information on Preparing your mind before surgery.

Fitter patients who are able to improve their health and activity levels, recover from surgery more quickly.

This information will give you general advice on what you can do to get the best outcome from your surgery.

Please click on the links below to read the procedure-specific leaflets in the toolkit

Preparing for cataract surgery

When the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy

Preparing for a cystoscopy

A thin telescope is used to look inside your bladder

Preparing for a hernia repair

A lump caused by fatty tissue pushing through a weak spot in your abdomen or thigh

Preparing for a hysteroscopy

An operation to look at the inside of your womb (uterus)

Preparing for a knee arthroscopy

A type of keyhole surgery

Preparing for a knee replacement operation

Surgery to replace your knee joint

BMA Patient Information Awards

Fitter Better Sooner was Highly Commended and shortlisted in the Self-care category at the BMA Patient Information Awards 2019.