15+ Things to Say to Someone Before Surgery

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You want to reach out to someone before their surgery, but finding the right words can be difficult. Whether you're calling, texting, or sending a card, a little positive encouragement can really make the person feel supported. In this article, we'll give you thoughtful phrases that someone going through surgery is sure to appreciate.

1

"Wishing you luck with your surgery!"

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  1. They're probably worried and anxious about the procedure, so a quick message wishing them well can help them keep a positive attitude. Here are a few other things you could say: [1]
    • "Sending you all my best wishes for a speedy recovery!"
    • "Wishing you the best in health, wealth, and happiness."
    • "Hurry up and get well soon! 🙂"
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2

"You're in good hands."

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  1. Talk about how the surgery is going to go well so they feel reassured . Some people find it hard to talk about what's happening—they might worry about the surgery itself or be frightened about the outcome. You can really put their mind at ease by expressing confidence in the surgery and recovery. For instance, say:
    • "You have the best hospital team—they're all rooting for you!"
    • "Getting surgery is hard, but I’m sure it will improve your quality of life in the long run."
    • "I just know you'll get through this and be stronger than before."
3

"Can I give you a hug?"

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  1. Physical connection can go a long way in making someone feel better . However, it's always a good idea to ask first. You can say: [2]
    • "Would it be alright if I give you a hug?"
    • "Need a hug?"
    • "I'm here if you need a hug."
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4

"I'm sure you'll make a speedy recovery."

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  1. They're probably stressed and asking themselves how they'll do during or after the procedure . To help them emotionally prepare, be as optimistic as possible. Say something like:
    • "Sending you courage and strength for your procedure."
    • "You're one of the toughest people I know—you've got this!"
    • "This illness picked the wrong person—you're going to beat it."
5

"The wish for healing has always been half of health." – Lucius Annaeus

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  1. Sometimes, there's the perfect quote for the situation. Look for uplifting quotes by the person's favorite author—they'll appreciate that you hunted down words of encouragement. If you're still stuck, consider using one of these great quotes:
    • “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H Schuller
    • "You're in pretty good shape for the shape you are in." – Dr. Seuss
    • “Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now but it never rains forever.” – Evan Carmichael
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6

"Hurry up and get better—we need to hang out soon!"

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  1. Saying something funny can break the tension and make them smile . Plus, a humorous message or silly text can take their mind off of their worries for a moment. Lighten the mood with a phrase like: [3]
    • "If you can handle the hospital food, surgery will be a breeze! Can't wait to treat you to a nice meal."
    • "Being sick is your body's way of saying you're too amazing and you need to slow down!"
    • "I can't believe the lengths some people will go to to get out of work! In all seriousness, I hope you feel better soon and get back into the swing of things."
7

"You're on my mind today. 😗"

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  1. Researchers found that people who texted before surgery and had positive conversations needed less pain management. The key is to avoid talking about the surgery or your anxieties. Instead, keep the messages upbeat. For instance, send: [4]
    • "Sending good vibes today. 🙂"
    • "You're my hero! xoxo"
    • "Keep your spirits up—you'll do great today. 🤗"
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8

"Get well soon! Everyone here misses your contagious smile and spirit."

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  1. It's fine to keep your message short and sweet. If you don't know the person very well, a simple message still shows them that you care. You can use this one before surgery or during recovery. Here are a few more generic phrases you could use for an acquaintance or colleague: [5]
    • "We're all sending our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery."
    • "Thinking of you."
    • "Looking forward to having you back in the office when you're ready!"
9

"You're so strong—you're doing an amazing job!"

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  1. They may not feel at their absolute best, but tell them how impressed you are that they're fighting so hard. Their courage can see them through the surgery and recovery. Try saying something like: [6]
    • "You are the bravest person I know."
    • "You inspire me."
    • "I'm proud to know such a courageous person."
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10

"I am praying for your healing recovery."

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  1. You could simply share that they're in your thoughts and prayers, or you could send a favorite religious verse. Use something like: [7]
    • "And the power of the Lord was with him to heal." Luke 5:17
    • "I'm praying that God will heal you and give you peace and comfort with His presence and love."
    • "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me." Quran 26:80
11

"Can I give you some company or get you anything?"

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  1. Offering practical support can really make the person feel cared for. Sure, you could say something like, "Let me know if you need anything," but they're more likely to take you up on specific offers. For instance, you could say: [8]
    • "Do you need someone to take care of your kids after school?"
    • "Can I bring you dinner when you get out of the hospital?"
    • "Are there any errands that I could run for you?"
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12

"What are you feeling right now?"

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  1. When someone gets surgery, they may feel like they have to hide what they're going through. Give them a chance to open up and talk about their worries or hopes. Say something like: [9]
    • "You know, you can tell me what you're thinking."
    • "How are you holding up?"
    • "How has today been?"
13

"You're so special to me. I hope you feel better soon."

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  1. Emotions run high before surgery, but this can make it a good time to share how you feel. Talk about a special memory the two of you have or just let them know they're important to you. You could say: [10]
    • "We've been friends since we were kids, so I know you've totally got this!"
    • "I'm so thankful to have you in my life. Praying for a quick recovery."
    • "You're so caring and you always look after everyone else. Give us a chance to look after you!"
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14

"We're in this together—I'm with you."

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  1. They might feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Let them know that you're there to support them. Here are a few more ways to say you care : [11]
    • "Let's take this one day at a time."
    • "We'll get through this—we always do!"
    • "We've got this!"
15

"Looking forward to seeing you healthy soon."

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  1. It's easy to concentrate on the surgery itself, but talking about life after the surgery can relieve their anxiety . Point out how much better they'll feel or mention things you can do together. [12]
    • "Remember, each day brings you closer to a full recovery!"
    • "Rest and recover—the team can't wait to have you back."
    • "Hang in there, so we can hang out together soon!"
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Sample Texts and Letters to Send Before and After Surgery


Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if I don't want them to get better?
    Lucy (parabola) Boyter
    Community Answer
    You should still be respectful because with their surgery they would have gone though a lot. You can send them a neutral text message "I heard you were not well", or mail them a letter and get them a small gift.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 11
  • Question
    What kind of surgery is life-threatening?
    Community Answer
    Many can be. For example, heart surgery, brain surgery or cancer surgery.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    What if they have brain damage and can't remember me?
    Community Answer
    Be kind. Introduce yourself and start bonding all over again!
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pre-surgery support, check out our in-depth interview with Peggy Rios, PhD .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513261/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/healing-together/201912/how-help-someone-you-love-calm-down
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/changepower/201605/the-9-superpowers-your-smile
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-magic-human-connection/201604/boosting-someones-confidence-in-5-steps
      5. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-messages-letters-lists/
      6. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/the-best-and-worst-ways-to-support-a-friend-with-a-serious-illness
      7. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/09/ce-corner-surgery
      8. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/trauma-helping-family-or-friends
      9. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/5-benefits-of-healthy-relationships
      1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-a-life-threatening-illness.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/what-to-say-to-someone-before-surgery/
      3. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_help_someone_with_anxiety

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