Episode 01: How a Patient Advocate Can Help You Navigate Surgery and Recovery with Sara Lemert
Are you preparing for surgery and feeling overwhelmed by everything that comes with it? From understanding medical jargon to planning your recovery, the process can feel like an impossible maze to navigate. That’s why working with a patient advocate for surgery preparation can make all the difference.
Recently, on Heart of the Hustle, I interviewed Sara Lemert, founder of Platinum Patient Advocates. Sara is an expert in guiding patients through the healthcare system, ensuring they feel empowered and supported during surgery and recovery. In this blog, we’ll dive into how a patient advocate can help reduce stress, improve outcomes, and make the surgical process far more manageable for you and your loved ones.
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What is a Patient Advocate?
A patient advocate is your go-to guide for navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Think of them as your translator, organizer, and biggest cheerleader. They ensure you receive the best care possible while eliminating confusion.
What Does a Patient Advocate Do?
• Clarifies Medical Terms: Doctors often speak in technical jargon, leaving patients unsure of their next steps. A patient advocate translates this information into clear, actionable language.
• Organizes Your Care: They handle logistics like scheduling appointments and ensuring follow-ups, so you can focus on healing.
• Supports You Emotionally: Surgery isn’t just physically challenging—it’s emotionally draining too. Advocates offer reassurance every step of the way.
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Why is a Patient Advocate Essential for Surgery?
The healthcare system can be daunting, even for straightforward procedures. Here’s how a patient advocate simplifies the experience:
1. They Reduce Pre-Surgery Anxiety
Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest stressors for patients. A patient advocate explains what to expect and helps you prepare emotionally so you feel calm and in control.
2. They Coordinate the Details
From tracking pre-op instructions to ensuring your home is ready for recovery, advocates manage the finer details of your care plan.
3. They Improve Recovery Outcomes
Studies show that patients who work with advocates recover more quickly and are less likely to experience complications. Why? Because they’re better informed, organized, and supported.
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Top Tips for Surgery Preparation
If you’re preparing for surgery, planning ahead is key to reducing stress and improving outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re fully ready:
1. Ask Smart Questions
Don’t be afraid to speak up during your appointments! Here are some must-ask questions:
• What is the exact procedure, and what does it involve?
• What are the potential risks and complications?
• What lifestyle changes should I make before surgery?
• How long will recovery take?
2. Prepare Your Recovery Space
Most of your healing will happen at home, so make sure it’s set up for success:
• Stock up on ready-made meals, snacks, and water.
• Arrange for transportation to follow-up appointments.
• Set up a comfortable space with pillows, blankets, and any medical supplies you’ll need.
3. Pack Thoughtfully for the Hospital
A well-packed hospital bag can make a big difference in your comfort. Here’s what to include:
• Loose-fitting clothes for going home.
• Noise-canceling headphones or a tablet for entertainment.
• A cozy blanket or pillow from home.
• Personal toiletries like toothpaste, face wipes, and lotion.
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How Patient Advocates Help You After Surgery
Did you know recovery is often the most challenging part of surgery? A patient advocate ensures this phase is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Coordinating Follow-Ups
Post-op care often involves follow-up visits with multiple specialists. Advocates handle scheduling and communication, so you don’t have to worry about missing any appointments.
2. Supporting Pain Management
Pain management is a delicate balance. Advocates work with your doctors to ensure your pain is controlled without unnecessary reliance on medications. They can also suggest non-medical strategies like heating pads or relaxation techniques.
3. Providing Emotional Reassurance
The recovery process can feel isolating and overwhelming. Advocates provide emotional support, answer questions, and offer encouragement when you need it most.
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Avoiding Common Surgery Mistakes
Many patients unknowingly make mistakes during surgery preparation that can complicate their recovery. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Skipping the Details
Not reviewing pre-op instructions or failing to ask key questions can lead to confusion and delays. A patient advocate ensures every detail is addressed ahead of time.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Recovery Prep
Some patients forget to prepare their homes or arrange for support during recovery. An advocate helps you create a comprehensive plan, so you’re fully prepared.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Emotional Support Needs
Surgery is an emotional journey, and it’s essential to have a support system in place. Advocates offer reassurance and guidance to both patients and families.
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The Power of Emotional Support in Surgery Preparation
Surgery isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s an emotional one. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety are common emotions before and after surgery, and ignoring them can negatively impact your recovery.
How Advocates Provide Emotional Support:
• They create a calming presence, helping to ease pre-surgery jitters.
• They provide answers to your questions, helping to eliminate uncertainty.
• They reassure family members, ensuring they feel confident in their ability to support you.
Having someone in your corner who understands the process can make all the difference in how you feel before, during, and after surgery.
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Making Recovery Easier with a Clear Plan
A patient advocate doesn’t just help during surgery—they ensure you have a clear path to recovery. Here are some tips to make your recovery journey smoother:
Plan for Small, Daily Wins
Recovering from surgery can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. Focus on small victories, like walking a few extra steps or preparing a simple meal.
Communicate with Your Advocate Regularly
Patient advocates like Sara stay in touch throughout your recovery, answering questions and offering guidance. This ongoing support ensures you’re never left wondering, “Is this normal?”
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Virtual Advocacy: Support from Anywhere
Thanks to technology, you don’t need to live near your advocate to benefit from their support. Virtual patient advocacy allows experts like Sara to guide you through your surgical journey via Zoom or phone calls.
How Virtual Advocacy Works:
• They join your pre-op appointments virtually to ensure all questions are addressed.
• They provide step-by-step guidance via email or phone.
• They follow up regularly to check on your progress and answer any post-op questions.
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Expanding the Role of Patient Advocates Beyond Surgery
Patient advocates aren’t just for surgeries—they can assist with navigating chronic illnesses, coordinating care plans for aging parents, or even supporting families dealing with terminal diagnoses.
The Bigger Picture of Advocacy
Advocates step into roles that often require both technical knowledge and compassion. Whether it’s scheduling tests, researching treatment options, or ensuring a loved one receives proper palliative care, advocates take the burden off families and patients alike.
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Real Stories: How Patient Advocates Make Surgery Easier
One of the most heartwarming aspects of working with patient advocates is hearing the stories of how they transform what could be an overwhelming experience into one that feels calm, supported, and even empowering. During my interview with Sara Lemert, she shared some incredible moments that highlight just how much of an impact advocates can have—not just on the patients, but also on their families.
The Big Buff Men with Blankets
Let me tell you about one of my favorite stories that Sara shared. Picture this: a big, strong, no-nonsense man—someone who looks like he spends more time lifting weights than worrying about hospital stays—walking into surgery with his beloved childhood blanket tucked under his arm.
Sara said she’s seen it all when it comes to hospital comfort items, and this scenario isn’t as rare as you might think. “You’d be surprised,” Sara told me, laughing. “Some of the toughest guys you’d never expect come in with their blankies or even stuffed animals from their childhood.”
These items may seem small, but they serve an important purpose: they bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to an otherwise sterile and intimidating environment. When you’re in a hospital bed, feeling vulnerable, sometimes the smallest things—like a cozy blanket—can make all the difference.
Advocates like Sara remind patients to pack comfort items that help them feel a sense of home. And trust me, this isn’t just a tip for the “soft-hearted” among us. If big, burly men can embrace their favorite blankies, you can too!
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Families in the Waiting Room: A Story of Reassurance
Another story that stuck with me was about a family Sara worked with during a particularly stressful surgery. The patient was in the operating room for a complex cardiac procedure, and his family was understandably anxious. As much as hospitals try to keep families informed, it’s easy for communication to feel rushed or unclear.
Sara was there in the waiting room with the patient’s wife and kids, translating updates from the surgical team into simple, clear terms. “The surgeon might say something like, ‘We’re done with the bypass, and the patient’s stable,’ but that doesn’t always tell the family what they really want to know,” Sara explained.
In this case, Sara broke everything down step-by-step:
• “Right now, the surgery is halfway done, and everything is going according to plan.”
• “Here’s what will happen next: the surgical team will close up, and we’ll get another update in about 30 minutes.”
• “Once they’re done, the patient will go to the ICU, and you’ll be able to see him in about two hours.”
That level of detailed reassurance helped the family feel less like they were stuck in limbo and more like they were part of the process. “By the time the surgeon came out to talk to them after the procedure, they felt prepared, not blindsided,” Sara said.
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Prepping Patients with Humor
Sara also shared how humor can be a powerful tool in helping patients relax before surgery. One of her clients, a retired teacher, was incredibly nervous about going under anesthesia. Despite all the medical explanations, she just couldn’t shake the feeling that something might go wrong.
Sara lightened the mood by telling her about another patient who’d insisted on wearing their lucky socks to surgery because “there’s no way bad things happen when I’m wearing these!” The retired teacher laughed, then paused and said, “Well, if it worked for them, maybe I should bring my lucky bracelet.”
By the time surgery day rolled around, she had her bracelet on and was cracking jokes with the nurses in pre-op. “That little moment of laughter helped her go from terrified to calm,” Sara explained.
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Unexpected Advocates: The Role of Family Members
Sometimes, patient advocates have the unique opportunity to empower family members to step into the role of caregiver with confidence. Sara told me about a dad who was caring for his teenage son after surgery. At first, he felt completely unprepared to handle his son’s recovery.
“He kept asking, ‘Am I doing this right? Should I be doing more?’” Sara recalled. “I walked him through the basics—how to help with medication schedules, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to encourage his son to get moving without pushing too hard.”
By the end of their time together, the dad had not only mastered the recovery plan but was also cracking jokes about being his son’s “personal nurse.” Advocates don’t just empower patients—they equip entire families to provide care with confidence and ease.
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The Patient Advocate as a Lifeline During Recovery
One of the most touching stories Sara shared was about a patient who called her two days after being discharged. The patient had been given a detailed discharge packet but felt completely overwhelmed trying to interpret it.
“I’ll never forget her saying, ‘Sara, I’m trying to read this, but I’m not sure I’m doing any of it right,’” Sara said.
Instead of leaving the patient to figure it out on her own, Sara scheduled a Zoom call that afternoon. Together, they went through the discharge instructions line by line, making notes and clarifying what each step involved. “By the end of the call, she said, ‘I feel like I can actually do this now,’” Sara said.
Moments like this highlight how patient advocates fill a critical gap in the healthcare system. Even when medical teams provide resources, it’s not always enough to make patients feel confident about their next steps. Advocates ensure no question goes unanswered, no matter how small.
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Small Comforts, Big Impacts
Throughout our conversation, one theme kept coming up: the power of small comforts. Whether it’s a blanket from home, a favorite playlist for the hospital, or even a silly anecdote to lighten the mood, these little things can have a huge impact on how patients experience surgery.
Sara’s advice? Don’t underestimate the importance of personal touches. “It’s not just about medical care—it’s about emotional care too,” she said.
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Why These Stories Matter
Hearing these stories reminded me of why advocates like Sara are so essential. They don’t just help with logistics or medical jargon—they bring heart to a system that can sometimes feel cold and impersonal. Whether it’s helping families in the waiting room, prepping patients with humor, or reminding big, tough men to bring their favorite blankies, advocates show that even in the midst of something as serious as surgery, there’s room for warmth, compassion, and connection.
Here’s an additional section about the Cardiac Surgery Checklist and its importance, seamlessly woven into the blog. This will both expand the content and emphasize a practical resource for readers. I’ll include this right after the "How Patient Advocates Help You After Surgery" section.
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The Power of a Cardiac Surgery Checklist
One of the most overlooked but essential tools for surgery preparation is a Cardiac Surgery Checklist, like the free resource offered by Sara Lemert at Platinum Patient Advocates. If you’re facing cardiac surgery—or any surgery, really—a checklist can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling fully prepared.
Why a Checklist Matters
Surgery comes with countless details to manage, from pre-op instructions to recovery plans. Without a clear, step-by-step guide, it’s easy to overlook important details that can lead to unnecessary stress or complications. A checklist simplifies everything, ensuring you’re ready for surgery day and beyond.
Here’s how the Cardiac Surgery Checklist can help:
• Pre-Surgery Preparation: It includes reminders for everything you need to do before surgery, like scheduling lab tests, arranging transportation, and reviewing your medication list with your doctor.
• Packing Essentials: The checklist helps you pack a hospital bag with all the items that will make your stay more comfortable, from loose clothing to personal toiletries and entertainment.
• Home Readiness: It guides you through setting up your recovery space at home so that when you return, everything you need is within reach.
• Follow-Up Plans: The checklist outlines how to schedule and prepare for post-op appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Real-Life Example
Sara shared a story during our conversation about a patient who felt completely lost before her cardiac surgery. “She was so nervous she might forget something important, like stopping certain medications or preparing her home,” Sara said. “I gave her the checklist, and she immediately felt more in control. She told me afterward, ‘I knew exactly what to do and didn’t feel as scared.’”
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How to Use the Cardiac Surgery Checklist
The beauty of the checklist is that it’s simple to use yet incredibly comprehensive. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
1. Download It Early: Grab your free copy of Sara’s Cardiac Surgery Checklist as soon as you know your surgery date.
2. Review It with Your Advocate: Sit down with your patient advocate or a trusted loved one to go through each step together.
3. Use It as a Guide: Follow the checklist to prepare for surgery day, recovery, and follow-ups.
💡 Get your free Cardiac Surgery Checklist here
Resources for Preparing for Surgery and Recovery
• Discover more life-changing advice on my blog
• Want to grow your personal brand? Learn about my mentorship program
• Explore post-surgery recovery tips from the Mayo Clinic
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Conclusion
Surgery doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the help of a patient advocate, you can approach the process with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. From pre-op preparation to post-op recovery, an advocate ensures you feel supported and informed at every stage.
🎧 Want to learn more? Listen to my full interview with Sara Lemert on Heart of the Hustle
💡 Download Sara’s free Cardiac Surgery Checklist here
You’ve got this, and you don’t have to face surgery alone. Let’s tackle it together!
