Going in to the hospital for surgery is a difficult and anxious time for anyone. For some patients having surgery is not a big deal, for others it can be one of the most anxiety provoking experiences they have ever faced. Wherever you may find yourself, there are steps you can take to make this experience less traumatic and more positive. This guide is separated into three sections to help you through the various stages of having surgery. While specific information will vary with each particular procedure, this guideline is intended to help you understand the surgical process, and to remove some anxiety from this time in your life. The three sections you will find are: before surgery, day of surgery, and after surgery.