Other health problems must be under control. If you have such medical conditions as heart disease or lung problems, the strain of surgery could be too much for you. Infections also must be cleared up before surgery or they could cause serious complications.

Blood clots can develop. You can reduce this risk by taking blood-thinning medications and doing leg exercises to increase circulation before surgery. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor long before surgery.

Being overweight can add extra stress on your heart and lungs during surgery. Excess pounds can also slow your recovery. If you are overweight, think about the risks carefully and consider losing weight before you decide to go ahead with the operation.

Recovery takes time and requires a commitment from you. There are exercises and a strict treatment plan that you'll need to follow after the procedure. Your willingness to put effort into your recovery can make a big difference in how well you recover. You'll need to be ready for several weeks of work after the operation to make it a success.

Surgery is expensive. The cost varies depending on the type of surgery, the hospital, medications and other therapies, special tests and your insurance coverage. Be sure to discuss these concerns with your doctor and insurance company well in advance so you aren't surprised when the bills come.