BEFORE SURGERY
What to write to someone before surgery
Before surgery, a person may be managing logistics, uncertainty, and many messages at once. Your note can be warm without promising that everything will be fine. Make it easy to receive and, if appropriate, offer one practical thing you can reliably do.
From imsorry.ca · Updated September 6, 2026 · Our editorial approach
1. Wish them care, not certainty
“I’m thinking of you tomorrow” is honest and supportive. Avoid guarantees about the result, comparisons to another person’s procedure, or advice about treatment unless they explicitly asked for it.
2. Protect their medical privacy
Do not ask for the procedure details, hospital, or diagnosis in order to prove you care. Let the person decide what to share and who may receive updates. Never post about their surgery publicly without permission.
3. Make one practical offer
A ride, pet care, a grocery pickup, or a doorstep meal may help if it fits your relationship. Include a time and wait for agreement before arranging anything. Check food and visitor preferences first.
4. Leave recovery expectations open
Do not ask when they will be “back to normal.” Recovery can change day by day. A low-pressure note after the procedure may be more useful than requesting an immediate update from them or their family.
A starting point, in your own words
Thinking of you before tomorrow. There is no need to send updates or reply. I can pick up groceries on Friday and leave them at the door, if that would make the first days home a little easier.
Use this as inspiration. Change the details to reflect what actually happened and what you can genuinely commit to.
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