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Surgery Recovery Checklist

Everything to do before your operation and as you heal at home, in one simple list. Free to use, print, or save as a PDF. No sign-up needed.

after ♥ surgery

Surgery Recovery Checklist

A simple guide to preparing for your operation and recovering safely at home.

Before your surgery (2 to 3 weeks ahead)

  • Confirm your surgery date, arrival time, and fasting instructions
  • Ask your surgical team what your recovery will involve and how long it usually takes
  • Arrange a lift home and someone to stay with you for the first day or two
  • Stock the freezer with easy meals so you do not have to cook
  • Fill any prescriptions you will need afterward, including pain relief and a stool softener
  • Set up a comfortable recovery base with everything within easy reach

Your hospital bag

  • Photo ID, paperwork, and a list of your current medications
  • Loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on
  • Non-slip socks or slippers
  • Phone charger with a long cable
  • Toiletries, lip balm, and a hairbrush
  • A sleep mask and ear plugs for resting on the ward

Setting up home for recovery

  • Clear walkways and remove loose rugs and trailing cables to prevent falls
  • Put daily essentials at waist height so you do not have to bend or reach
  • Set up a firm chair with armrests you can push up from
  • Place a water bottle, phone, chargers, and medication beside your bed and chair
  • Sort out the bathroom: a shower stool, grab support, and a non-slip mat
  • If bending will be hard, have a reaching aid and sock aid ready

The first days home

  • Take pain relief on the schedule your team advised, do not wait for pain to build
  • Start the stool softener early if you are on strong painkillers
  • Get up and move gently and often, even just around the room
  • Keep the surgical site clean and dry, and follow your dressing instructions
  • Rest when you need to and keep the area elevated if advised
  • Drink plenty of water and eat protein to support healing

Through your recovery

  • Build up walking a little more each day, within your limits
  • Do any exercises your physical therapist gave you
  • Keep follow-up appointments and note anything to ask about
  • Be patient with yourself, good days and bad days are normal

Equipment that makes recovery easier

Common items people set up before surgery. These are affiliate links, so if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Reaching / dressing aid View on Amazon
Bed rail / grab handle View on Amazon
Shower stool View on Amazon
Raised toilet seat View on Amazon
Wedge pillow View on Amazon
Non-slip socks View on Amazon

When to call your surgical team

  • A fever, or the wound becomes red, hot, swollen, or starts leaking
  • Pain that is getting worse rather than better, or is not controlled by your medication
  • Calf pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg, or any chest pain or breathlessness
  • You cannot pass urine, or have no bowel movement for several days with a hard, painful belly
  • Anything that worries you, it is always better to ask

This checklist is general guidance only and does not replace medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions of your surgical team.

Want more detail on any of this?

Browse our recovery guides

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