Stanford Medicine Nov 12 2025 The weeks leading up to a major surgery can be a time of uncertainty and worry for patients, many of whom anticipate the need for rehabilition to get back on their feet. But if patients improve their physical and mental health prior to surgery, a process called prehabilitation or prehab, they can reduce the risk of complications afterward. The problem is that many patients, even when directed to change their diet, increase their physical activity and get plenty of