Preparing for surgery

Plan ahead

Dr. Sarraj’s targets for elective surgery:

• HbA1c: under 6.5%.
• BMI: under 35 for decompression; under 30 for lumbar fusion.
• Fusion patients: nicotine-free for 1 month before and 6 months after surgery.
• Eat well, including protein. Tell the team about poor intake, unplanned weight loss, or anaemia.

Confirm your medication plan

Get written instructions from the surgical, anaesthetic, and prescribing teams before changing medicines.

• Blood thinners & NSAIDs: the requested window is 1 week before and 5 days after surgery, where approved for each medicine. Prescribed anticoagulants and antiplatelets may need different timing; do not stop them without your prescriber’s approval.
• Ozempic: our usual request is a 1-week pause before surgery. Confirm this with your anaesthetic team and prescriber, including your diabetes plan.

Before admission

• Follow the hospital’s exact fasting, drinking, and medication instructions.
• Arrange transport, help at home, and any equipment your team recommends.

Postoperative recovery

• Start short, assisted walks when cleared. Build up gradually with rest.
• Use your prescribed combination pain plan to limit opioid needs; follow constipation and nausea instructions.
• Eat and drink as advised, including protein to support recovery.
• Follow wound-care and blood-clot prevention instructions. Know your follow-up plan.

Formal outpatient physiotherapy usually starts around 6 weeks after surgery, once cleared. Walking and hospital mobilisation begin earlier as directed.

Recovery varies significantly by procedure. Read your procedure’s guide for details and follow your individual instructions.