Healthy Habits Start Here®
Why the Weeks Before Surgery Matter More Than You Think
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Rawlek, MD and Dr. Scott Rollo, PhD
If you're preparing for surgery, you may feel like your life is on hold.
Appointments, tests, treatment decisions, and countless questions can make it seem as though everything is happening to you rather than with you.
While many aspects of your care are in the hands of your healthcare team, there is one important thing to know:
There are steps you can take before surgery that may help your body prepare, recover, and regain strength afterward.
This is called prehabilitation, or "pre-hab."
Think of it as training for recovery. Think of it as being best prepared for surgery.
Not training for a race.
Not training for a fitness competition.
You’re training for one of the most important events your body will face.
And we’re here to be right alongside with you.
What Is Pre-Hab?
Pre-hab is the process of improving your physical and mental readiness before surgery.
Research has shown that people who are physically active, better nourished, and supported emotionally before surgery often experience:
Better physical function
Improved strength and endurance
Faster recovery
Greater confidence during treatment
A smoother return to daily activities
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is preparation.
It’s not about perfection, It’s about progression!
The Good News: Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Many people believe they need to make dramatic lifestyle changes to improve their health.
That's simply not true.
Small actions may seem insignificant, but when repeated consistently, they create momentum. A short walk. Standing up and moving more often. Getting an extra serving of vegetables. Drinking more water. Practicing a few minutes of relaxation.
And momentum matters.
"I'm Not Active Right Now. Is It Too Late?"
Absolutely not.
In fact, this program was designed specifically for people who may not currently be active.
You do not need to be fit. You just need to want to participate.
You do not need to exercise intensely. You need to just start by putting shoes on your feet and starting off with 5 minutes of activity dedicated to your health each day.
You do not need a perfect health history to start. Many people become more active after a new cancer diagnosis. Even if you've been inactive in the past, you will still reap the health benefits and a survival advantage.
You simply need a willingness to take one step forward.
Every person starts somewhere.
The most important thing is starting.
Why Healthy Habits Matter During Cancer Treatment
*Cancer and its treatment place significant demands on the body.
*Cancer and its treatments are positively impacted by regular physical activity. So much that in some cases the treatment can be up to twice as effective.
Healthy habits will help support:
Physical strength
Energy levels
Mobility
Emotional wellbeing
Recovery after treatment
When healthy habits become part of your routine, they will continue supporting you long after surgery is complete.
This isn't just about the next four weeks.
It's about building a foundation that can support your health moving forward.
How GoGet.Fit Can Help
Healthy habits are often easier to start than to continue. That's where support matters. GoGet.Fit connects you with real person support and recognition.
Through the GoGet.Fit platform, you'll receive guidance, real-person recognition, and tools designed specifically to help you:
Move more safely and confidently
Build healthy daily routines
Stay motivated
Track your progress
Celebrate small wins along the way
You don't have to figure it all out on your own. We'll help you focus on simple, achievable actions that fit into your life and your treatment journey.
Remember small steps are critical when starting. The second important point is to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments.
Your First Goal
For now, don't worry about the next month. Don't worry about the surgery date. Don't worry about doing everything perfectly.
Focus on one question…
Ask: “What's one small thing I can do today that will help my future self?”
*Maybe it's a 5-minute walk.
*Maybe it's drinking an extra glass of water.
*Maybe it's simply getting up and moving around the house a few more times.
Whatever it is, start there.
Because healthy habits don't begin with huge transformations.
They begin with one small step.
And that step starts today.
Now it's time to schedule your first two 5 minute actives for today and tomorrow.
The power of scheduling, what's scheduled gets done.
We both agree that this needs to get done and we are here to start small and over the next few weeks grow tall from our successes. Scheduling is the foundation of success here.
So here is how you get started
