Before a Operation Questions Posted or Updated on 27 Jun 2025

What to ask, think about, and do, if you might be having an operation.

Introduction Were you given this booklet by your GP, or a surgical doctor, or did you find it online? Are you thinking about having an operation? Have you already decided to have an operation? This booklet covers what to ‘ask’, ‘think about’, and ‘do’ at each stage of your surgical journey.

This will help you:

■ make the right choice for you

■ prepare for surgery

■ have the best possible result and recovery. You might want to bring this with you when you come to hospital.

Scan the QR code to find out more or view the information here: www.cpoc.org.uk/patients.

The time before possible surgery Think about what is important to you Before you see the surgical team in clinic think about:

■ how much do you want to know about what an operation would involve?

■ do you want to bring a relative or friend to the hospital appointment?

■ what do you hope the operation will help with?

■ what do you not want to happen? Get ready for an operation Make small changes now (www.rcoa.ac.uk/fitterbettersooner) so you recover better if you decide to have an operation.

■ Stop smoking.

■ Reduce alcohol.

■ Lose weight or improve what you eat.

■ Be more active.

■ Focus on wellbeing.

WhatToAsk_leaflet2025 FINAL.pdf