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A good idea is to get in the best shape you can PRIOR to surgery. If you haven't already done so, get a referral for some physical therapy as soon as possible. They can work on balance and strengthening exercises that will get you in the best shape you can be in prior to surgery. PT's know what to do. I understand that it is difficult to exercise with a bum knee, but PT can work with you within your current abilities to make sure you are in the best shape going into the surgery, which will make your recovery faster and safer.

If you are diabetic, make sure your blood sugars are in excellent control. Stop smoking if you smoke. If you have a few pounds to lose, try now. Water aerobics or similar classes can be great for conditioning/strengthening if you have joint problems. Consider learning meditation or other focusing/rejuvenating methods that make sense to you.

After surgery, keep your pain under control by taking medications around the clock initially. Pain control is essential to being able to move immediately after surgery and preventing complications. Make sure you have friends and family lined up to help out with meals, housework, and shopping for the initial weeks after surgery. This is the time to pull in those folks who say, "Oh, gosh, is there anything I can do?" Put them to work. Set up a schedule of who will help drive you to appointments and shop post-op BEFORE you have the surgery.

Just about everyone I know who has had this surgery says a few weeks later "I can't believe how much better I feel; why didn't I do this ages ago?" Good luck with your surgery, and I wish you a speedy recovery.