A generation ago, the advice after major surgery was simple: don't eat beforehand, stay in bed, and rest for as long as possible. If you've had surgery recently, you probably noticed things are different now. Most hospitals follow an approach called ERAS, short for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, and it changes many of the old rules.
What ERAS usually means for patients
- Shorter fasting. Many hospitals now allow clear liquids until a couple of hours before anesthesia, and some give you a carbohydrate drink the morning of surgery.
- Getting up early. You may be asked to sit in a chair or take a short walk within hours of surgery. Moving early helps your lungs, circulation and digestion get going again.
- Eating sooner. Instead of days of clear liquids, many patients go back to regular food quickly.
- Fewer opioids. Pain is managed with a combination of medications, cold therapy and sometimes nerve blocks, so you're less groggy and less constipated.
Research on ERAS programs has linked them to shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. They started with colorectal surgery and now cover knee and hip replacements, C-sections, hysterectomies, heart surgery and more.
What this means at home
You'll probably be discharged sooner and expected to move around on your own sooner. That makes your home setup more important:
- Clear a walking path from your bed to the bathroom and kitchen.
- Keep essentials within arm's reach so you aren't bending or stretching.
- Plan a few short walks each day, building up as your care team advises.
Tip: the "log roll" for getting out of bed
After abdominal or back surgery, sitting straight up strains your core. Instead, bend your knees, roll onto your side as one unit, let your legs drop over the edge of the bed, and push up with your arms. Ask your care team whether it's right for your procedure.
Myth vs. fact
Myth: Wait until the pain gets bad before taking your pain medicine.
Fact: Many care teams recommend staying on schedule for the first few days, because it's easier to keep pain under control than to catch up once it spikes. Follow the instructions on your prescription.
Get your home ready before surgery
Our recovery kits put the essentials for your specific procedure in one box, so you aren't shopping after you get home. See the Knee Surgery Kit, Hip Surgery Kit, Hysterectomy Recovery Kit, C-Section Recovery Kit and Heart Surgery Kit, or pick up single helpers like the Folding Grabber Tool.
This article is general information, not medical advice. ERAS details vary by hospital and procedure. Always follow your own surgeon's instructions.
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