If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you or someone you love is about to have lung surgery. I know that can feel overwhelming. After more than two decades in the operating room, working on everything from minimally invasive lung procedures to complex chest surgeries, I’ve seen just how much smoother things go when patients feel truly prepared, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
This guide is here to help you do exactly that. No confusing medical jargon, no added stress, just clear, practical advice on what to expect, how to get your body ready, how to handle the mental side of things, and how to care for yourself afterward. Whether your surgery is just days away or you’re still exploring your options, I’m here to help you feel ready every step of the way.
1. Quit Smoking ASAP
If you’re a smoker and you’ve got lung surgery coming up, the best thing you can do for your body, hands down, is to stop smoking immediately. I know that’s easier said than done, but even quitting for just a couple of weeks before surgery can make a massive difference in how your lungs function and how smoothly your recovery goes.
Smoking weakens your lungs, reduces oxygen levels in your blood, and hinders the healing process. It also puts you at a much higher risk for complications during and after surgery, including infections, poor wound healing, pneumonia, and even the need for a ventilator. As someone who’s been in the OR for more than 20 years, I can tell you that patients who smoke usually have a harder time waking up from anesthesia, getting off oxygen, and bouncing back after surgery.
2. Get Moving—Within Reason
Keeping your body moving before lung surgery is one of the simplest but most effective ways to support your recovery. And no, you don’t need to overdo it; this isn’t the time for intense workouts or pushing your limits. What you want is regular, low-impact movement that keeps your muscles engaged, your lungs working, and your circulation flowing.
Even just walking around the block once or twice a day, doing light stretches, or taking the stairs when you can makes a difference. Staying active helps prevent stiffness, improves breathing capacity, and gets your heart and lungs in better shape before surgery. It also helps reduce your risk of complications after surgery, such as blood clots or prolonged bed rest.
Additionally, regular physical activity is beneficial for maintaining a good mood. Surgery preparation can feel stressful, and engaging in light activity can help relieve some of that tension. I always tell patients that moving their bodies helps calm their minds.
Just make sure you’re not pushing too hard. If you get winded quickly or have shortness of breath, slow it down. Always check in with your doctor or surgical team to ensure your activity level is safe, given your specific condition. The goal is to stay gently active, rather than training like an athlete. It’s all about keeping your body in motion so recovery doesn’t hit you as hard.
3. Do Breathing Exercises
If there’s one thing I wish more patients would do before undergoing lung surgery, it’s practicing breathing exercises. It might seem too simple to matter, but trust me, training your lungs to breathe more deeply and efficiently can make a significant difference in how you feel post-surgery.
When you go under anesthesia, your lungs naturally become less active. After surgery, especially lung surgery, you may experience discomfort that makes it more challenging to take deep breaths. That shallow breathing can lead to mucus buildup, a drop in oxygen levels, and even pneumonia. Breathing exercises help prevent all that.
Start by practicing slow, deep breaths a few times a day. Inhale through your nose, hold for a second, and exhale fully through your mouth. It sounds basic, but doing it intentionally helps your lungs expand fully, keeps the airways clear, and improves oxygen flow.
If your care team provides you with an incentive spirometer (a small, handheld device), use it. It’s designed to show how well your lungs are inflating and encourages you to take fuller breaths, which keeps your lungs flexible and strong. Doing these exercises before surgery builds up your respiratory strength, so when it’s time to recover, your lungs are already in better shape to handle it. A few minutes a day can go a long way in preventing complications and accelerating your recovery.
4. Eat Clean and Stay Hydrated
When preparing for lung surgery, what you eat and drink may not seem like a significant concern, but it is. Fueling your body correctly before surgery gives you a considerable head start on recovery. Think of it like charging your internal battery before a long trip.
Firstly, your body requires nutrients to heal effectively. That means lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, to help with tissue repair. Add in fruits and vegetables for their vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Whole grains give you energy without the blood sugar spikes, and healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado, support your immune system. If your diet has been all over the place lately (understandably so), this is a good time to bring it back to basics.
Hydration is just as critical. Being even slightly dehydrated can make anesthesia riskier and recovery slower. Water helps your organs function properly, keeps your blood circulating smoothly, and thins mucus so your lungs can stay clear after surgery. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses of water a day, and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you quickly.
Also, don’t try any crash diets or supplements right before surgery unless your doctor gives the green light. Your body needs stability, not surprise. Clean, consistent eating and plenty of water won’t just help you feel better now, they’ll help you bounce back faster later. It’s a slight shift with a big payoff.
5. Manage Other Medical Conditions
If you’re heading into lung surgery and you also have other medical conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, it’s essential to get those under control now. I can’t stress this enough: the better your overall health is managed going into surgery, the smoother the procedure will go during and after the surgery.
Why? Because surgery puts stress on your entire body, not just your lungs. If your blood sugar is too high, for example, your risk of infection and delayed wound healing increases. If your blood pressure is out of control, that can lead to complications during anesthesia. Even something like untreated acid reflux can affect your airway and lungs during recovery.
This is the time to stay on top of your medications, check in with your primary care provider or specialist, and make sure your prescriptions are filled and taken exactly as directed. If anything feels off—like your blood pressure readings are climbing or your breathing seems worse than usual—don’t wait. Discuss this with your doctor before your surgery day.
It may feel overwhelming to juggle all these moving parts, but they are all connected. When one system is struggling, it makes it harder for the others to keep up. Getting your chronic conditions stable now means fewer surprises later—and it sets you up for a much safer, more predictable recovery.
6. Ask About Prehab
Most people have heard of rehab after surgery, but not everyone knows there’s such a thing as prehab. And if you’re preparing for lung surgery, consulting with your doctor can make a significant difference in how you recover.
Prehab (short for prehabilitation) is a short-term program designed to prepare your body for optimal health before surgery. Think of it like training your lungs and muscles to perform better during and after the procedure. It may include supervised breathing exercises, gentle physical activity, nutritional guidance, and, in some cases, sessions with a respiratory therapist or physical therapist.
Why does it help? Well, lung surgery takes a toll, even when things go perfectly. But when your body is stronger going in, it handles the stress better. Patients who do prehab often experience fewer complications, recover faster, and can get back to their regular routines more quickly. And it’s not just about physical strength; prehab also builds your confidence. It gives you a sense of control and preparation, which can ease a lot of anxiety going into surgery.
Not every hospital offers a formal prehab program, but many do, especially for lung or cancer-related surgeries. So it’s worth asking. Even if there isn’t an official program, your doctor can help you develop a few practical steps to prepare your body and lungs in advance. This is one of those “small effort, big impact” things. Please don’t skip it.
7. Understand the Procedure
One of the best things you can do for your peace of mind before surgery is to understand what’s going to happen. Not in a scary, deep-dive-down-the-internet-rabbit-hole way—but in a calm, clear, realistic way that helps you feel more in control.
Ask your surgeon to walk you through the basics of your procedure: where the incision will be, what part of your lung is being operated on, how long it will take, and what to expect in the recovery room. You don’t need a medical degree; you need the main points so you can mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
Understanding the process can help alleviate many of the “what-ifs” that accumulate in your mind. When patients come in with a general idea of what to expect, they’re often less anxious before surgery, which can help with factors such as blood pressure, breathing, and sleep in the days leading up to it.
You can also ask about anesthesia, pain management options, and how long you’ll stay in the hospital. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to express them. This isn’t the time to hold back. The unknown is almost always scarier than the facts. Once you understand what’s happening and why, it becomes a lot easier to trust the process, your care team, and your own body as you head into surgery.
8. Have a Game Plan for Aftercare
I always tell my patients: the surgery itself is just one part of the journey, the real work starts during recovery. That’s why it’s so important to plan for what you’ll need after the procedure. When you’ve got a game plan in place, it takes a lot of the stress off you and your family once you’re back home.
Start by figuring out the basics. Will you need help getting to the bathroom or showering in the first few days? Do you have stairs at home that you’ll need to manage? Who can help with meals, driving to appointments, or picking up prescriptions? These small details add up fast when you’re not feeling 100%.
You may also need to keep track of medications, wound care, breathing exercises, and follow-up visits. It helps to set reminders or have a simple checklist ready. Some people find it helpful to have one trusted person, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend, act as their primary support person to keep everything organized.
Don’t forget to prep your space, too. Move the essentials (phone charger, snacks, water, tissues, medication) somewhere within arm’s reach of your recovery area. A little preparation goes a long way. The more you prepare before surgery, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel afterward. And that mental ease? It supports physical healing more than people realize.
9. Talk Through Your Fears
It’s completely normal to feel anxious or scared before undergoing lung surgery. I’ve worked with thousands of patients over the years, and even the calmest, most prepared ones have moments of fear or uncertainty. Surgery is a big deal, and trying to pretend you’re not worried usually adds more pressure. What helps? Talking about it.
Whether it’s with your doctor, your spouse, a friend, or even a therapist, voicing your fears can help alleviate some of the weight. You may be concerned about pain, complications, anesthesia, or simply the unknown. That’s human. Saying it out loud gives you a chance to hear reassurance, get answers, and feel less alone in the process.
If you’re not comfortable opening up right away, try writing it down. Sometimes, even getting the thoughts out of your head and onto paper can help you make sense of what’s bothering you. I always appreciate it when patients are honest about what’s on their minds. It enables us to collaborate on addressing concerns, adjust the care plan as necessary, and ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Remember: being brave doesn’t mean having no fear; it means acknowledging it and still showing up. Surgery is both a physical and emotional experience. The more supported and heard you feel, the better you’ll be able to face it head-on.
10. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the most important things you can do before surgery, mentally and emotionally, is to set realistic expectations. I’ve seen it over and over again: when patients expect a straight line to recovery, they’re often surprised by the regular ups and downs of the healing process. The truth is, recovery from lung surgery is a process. It takes time. And that’s okay.
You might feel great one day and wiped out the next. Some days, your breathing will feel easier; other days, you might be frustrated by tightness or fatigue. That’s normal. Healing doesn’t always look like steady progress; it seems like little wins mixed with slower days, and that’s all part of it.
You can expect to need more rest than usual. Expect some soreness, especially with deep breaths or movement. And most of all, expect that your body will need time to adjust and rebuild. Your lungs are incredible organs, but they don’t bounce back overnight. Setting the right expectations helps protect your mental health. When you know the process will have its challenges, you won’t feel like something’s wrong when you hit them. You’ll be ready, and you’ll trust that your body is still moving in the right direction.
11. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
As much as surgery is a physical event, the emotional side of it is just as real—and often overlooked. One of the best ways to take care of your emotional well-being before and after lung surgery is to make sure you’ve got a solid support system around you.
That doesn’t mean you need a crowd. Even a couple of people who genuinely care and show up for you can make a huge difference. Maybe it’s your partner, a close friend, a sibling, or even a neighbor. What matters is that you don’t go through this alone.
Let them know what’s coming up. Tell them what you might need, whether it’s rides to appointments, help around the house, or just someone to sit with you when things feel heavy. Most people want to help; they don’t always know how unless you tell them.
Emotional support reduces stress, which has a significant impact on your recovery. When you feel cared for and safe, your nervous system stays calmer. That means better sleep, more stable blood pressure, and fewer post-op complications. This is not the time to tough it out solo. Let people be there for you. Accept the help, lean into it, and permit yourself to not carry everything on your own. You’re not just preparing your lungs, you’re preparing your whole self to heal, and that includes feeling supported.
12. Try to Stay Present
It’s easy to get caught in a loop of “what ifs” when you’re facing lung surgery. What if something goes wrong? What if I don’t recover fast enough? What if I’m not ready? I’ve seen it countless times—and I’ve also seen how much better things go when patients can stay focused on the present, rather than spiraling into the past or the future.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t be informed or prepared; you should. But once you’ve done what you can to get ready, there’s real power in simply staying grounded in the moment. Focus on what you can do today. That might involve taking a short walk, practicing your breathing exercises, preparing a healthy meal, or simply getting some extra rest. These small, present-moment choices accumulate and put you in the best possible mental and physical state.
Try not to waste your energy on every possible scenario. Most of the things we worry about never actually happen. And when something does come up, you’ll handle it, just like you’ve handled other hard things before. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Some people find journaling helpful. Others use mindfulness apps or breathing techniques to stay grounded. Do what works for you, but keep your focus on the present moment. Because this moment, not what might happen next week, is where your strength lives.
13. Find Calming Practices That Work for You
Surgery can evoke a range of emotions, including fear, stress, impatience, and even frustration. That’s why finding something that helps you stay calm before you’re in the thick of it can be a game-changer. You don’t need a full meditation retreat or hours of deep breathing (unless that’s your thing), you need a few small go-to habits that help settle your mind when things feel heavy.
Everyone’s calming practice looks different. For some people, it’s listening to music or taking a short walk outside. For others, it might be prayer, journaling, deep breathing, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of tea. The point isn’t what you choose, it’s that it makes you feel a little more grounded, even if just for a few minutes.
If you’ve never tried mindfulness or breathwork, this might be a good time to explore it. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, guided sessions that are suitable for beginners. You can also try box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) to help reset your nervous system, especially helpful if you’re feeling anxious the night before surgery.
What matters most is that you build this habit now, not wait until you’re in recovery and overwhelmed. Having a calming routine in place makes a big difference in how you sleep, how you manage pain, and how you emotionally navigate the days after surgery.
14. Don’t Compare Recoveries
This one’s big—don’t compare your recovery to anyone else’s. I know it’s tempting. You hear about someone who bounced back in a week, or your friend’s cousin who was walking laps around the house on day three. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after 20+ years in the OR: every single recovery is different.
Your surgery, your health, your body, and your life circumstances are all unique. What worked for someone else might not apply to you at all, and that’s okay. Healing isn’t a competition. It’s not a race. The only timeline that matters is yours.
Some people need more rest. Some take longer to breathe comfortably again. Others might heal quickly physically, but struggle more with the emotional side. That doesn’t mean you’re falling behind; it means your body is doing exactly what it needs to, at its own pace.
Comparing yourself can slow you down. It creates unnecessary stress, self-doubt, and frustration, all of which can significantly impact your recovery. Instead, track your progress. Look for small wins: fewer naps, deeper breaths, less pain with movement. Those are signs you’re on the right path, even if it’s slower than someone else’s. Allow yourself to heal on your terms. Recovery isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being patient. You’re doing just fine.
Tips From the OR
Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions Exactly
I can’t stress this enough: follow every single pre-op instruction your surgical team gives you, exactly as directed. This part might not seem like a big deal, but it can make or break how safely your surgery goes.
These instructions aren’t just suggestions; they’re carefully designed to protect your body during anesthesia and surgery. Things like when to stop eating or drinking, which medications to take or skip, how to shower before surgery, or when to arrive at the hospital, all of these details matter.
For example, suppose you eat too close to surgery, even a small snack. In that case, it increases the risk of complications under anesthesia, like aspiration (that’s when stomach contents get into the lungs, not something you want). And if you take a blood thinner, your doctor told you to pause, it could increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Sometimes people forget, think “it won’t matter just this once,” or get confused by all the steps. That’s why I always recommend writing everything down, or better yet, having a printed checklist on your fridge the week leading up to surgery. If anything is unclear, please call your doctor’s office. They’d rather explain it again than have an issue on the day.
Following your instructions demonstrates to your team that you’re ready and serious, and it helps them perform their job safely and effectively. This part is in your control, and it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself.
Pack Smart for the Hospital
When it comes to hospital stays, packing smart can make you feel just a little more human in a place that can sometimes feel anything but. You won’t need a packed suitcase, but bringing a few thoughtful essentials can make your time there more comfortable.
Start with loose, easy-to-wear clothing. After lung surgery, you won’t want anything tight around your chest. A button-up shirt or a zip-up hoodie is perfect, easy to put on and take off without lifting your arms too much. Soft socks, slippers with grip, and comfortable underwear are also a good call.
Bring your phone charger (ideally with a long cord), lip balm, hand lotion, and maybe a sleep mask or earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Hospital air is dry, and sleep isn’t always easy. These little comforts can help you rest better.
If there’s a personal item that brings you calm, a photo, a small book, your favorite playlist—get it. Familiar things can be grounding when you’re in a sterile environment. You likely won’t be in the hospital for long, but having the right stuff within reach makes it easier to focus on healing rather than discomfort. Don’t forget to double-check if you need to bring any necessary paperwork, identification, or insurance information. A little prep now can help ease those first 24 hours.
Advocate for Yourself
One of the most important things I tell patients, especially before and after lung surgery, is this: you have every right to speak up. You know your body better than anyone, and it’s okay to ask questions, voice concerns, or say when something doesn’t feel right. It’s not just OK, it’s necessary.
You’re not being difficult when you double-check a medication or ask what’s happening next. You’re being responsible. If something feels off, pain that’s different from what’s expected, side effects from meds, confusion about breathing treatments, say something. The medical team is there to help, but they’re also juggling a lot. Your voice keeps your care personal and safe.
This also applies before surgery. If instructions aren’t clear, if you’re unsure what to expect with anesthesia, or if something in the pre-op checklist seems confusing, don’t just brush it off. Ask again. Clarify. Bring a notebook or have someone with you who can take notes or remind you of your questions.
Advocating for yourself doesn’t mean you don’t trust your team. It means you’re part of it. The best recoveries happen when the patient isn’t just lying in bed—they’re actively involved in the process. You don’t have to do it all alone, but you do have a say. Speak up. It matters.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for lung surgery can feel like a lot, and that’s completely normal. There’s no perfect way to get ready, but taking small, steady steps to care for your body, your mind, and your emotions does make a difference. Whether it’s quitting smoking, incorporating more movement, asking questions, or ensuring you’ve support lined up for recovery, every effort you make now helps set you up for a smoother road ahead.
I’ve seen firsthand how much better patients do when they walk into surgery informed, supported, and emotionally grounded. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You need to take it one step at a time and trust that your body and your team are working together to get you through this safely. Most importantly, give yourself some grace. Recovery isn’t a straight line, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. What matters is that you’re showing up and taking care of yourself the best way you can. That alone is something to be proud of.