If you’re having surgery, you probably have questions. This series of short videos will help you get ready for your surgery and will explain what will happen at each step in your surgery journey. You will find out what to expect before you go to the hospital, the day of your surgery, and when you go home after surgery. Participating in your recovery will help you feel better sooner and recover faster.
Video 1: An Introduction (3:43 minutes)
You have an active part to play before and after your surgery. In Alberta, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Care Pathway focuses on what you can do before, during, and after surgery so you can feel better sooner and recover faster.
Video 2: Pre-Admission Visit or Call (3:33 minutes)
Learn what to expect from your pre-admission visit or phone call to help you get ready for your surgery.
Video 3: Getting Ready at Home (8:11 minutes)
Find out how planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home faster and helps speed up your recovery.
Video 4: Eating & Drinking Before Surgery (5:14 minutes)
Learn about how eating healthy foods will help give your body the nutrients it needs to prepare for and handle the surgery. Your healthcare team will tell you how long before surgery to stop eating and drinking.
Video 5: Day of Surgery (3:07 minutes)
Knowing what to expect when you get to the hospital for surgery helps lower anxiety and makes you feel more comfortable. Learn about each step of the admission process right up to going into the operating room.
Video 6: Anesthesia and Pain Control (2:34 minutes)
Many people having surgery are worried about pain. Dr. Michael Chong explains how your healthcare team will help keep you comfortable with anesthesia and pain control during your surgery.
Video 7: The Operating Room (3:50 minutes)
Take a virtual tour through a real Alberta operating room so you can understand what will happen during your surgery.
Video 8: The Recovery Room (3:35 minutes)
After your surgery your healthcare team will move you to the recovery room. Watch a recovery room nurse talk about how they will care for you and keep you comfortable during this time.
Video 9: Your Hospital Room (3:43 minutes)
Find out what to expect and how your healthcare team will support you as you start your recovery.
Video 10: Managing Pain and Nausea (3:51 minutes)
Learn how your healthcare team will work with you to keep your pain and nausea under control by offering you regular pain and nausea medicine. Good pain and nausea control will help you feel better sooner and recover faster.
Video 11: Eating and Moving after Surgery (4:29 minutes)
After surgery, you can do your part to feel better sooner and recover faster by being active, eating healthy, and drinking fluids. You can use tools such as whiteboards and handouts from your healthcare team to help you reach daily goals.
Video 12: Stomas and Ostomies (6:37 minutes)
Any time you have bowel or bladder surgery. This video will introduce you to ostomies and what to expect if you have one.
Video 13: Breathe Easy (3:34 minutes)
Keeping your lungs healthy is an important part of your recovery. It helps prevent illnesses like pneumonia. Kayla, a respiratory therapist, explains the monitors, tests, and exercises that will help keep your lungs healthy after surgery.
Video 14: Back Home (4:17 minutes)
You may have questions after you get home from your surgery. Alberta surgeon Dr. Mike Chatenay answers some of the most common questions his patients ask.
