10 Polite Ways to Say “No Visitors” after Surgery

It’s only natural for people to want to visit you after surgery. But sometimes, you need rest.

So, you want to know how to politely say no to visitors to ensure you don’t insult anyone. Well, we’ve gathered the best alternatives to “no visitors” to help you remain polite and friendly.

  • I’m sorry, but I need to recover from my surgery
  • I’m not ready for visitors just yet
  • Please bear with me while I recover
  • I will let you know when I’m ready for visitors
  • I can’t wait to see you, but I need to recover first
  • I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to visit
  • I don’t want any visitors until I’m better
  • Please tell them not to visit me
  • I’m not ready for any visitors, so please wait
  • Please allow me to recover before checking in

Read on to find out more about each of these synonyms. There’s nothing wrong with requesting no visitors at the hospital. You just need to know how to phrase it appropriately.

1. I’m Sorry, but I Need to Recover From My Surgery

Knowing how to decline visitors after surgery is simple with a phrase like “I’m sorry, but I need to recover from my surgery.” You should start with “I’m sorry” because it shows you are apologetic about not being able to see someone.

It’s worth using this phrase when letting family members know you’re not ready to see them. It shows that you need to recover some more before you are able to have any visitors.

You may also refer to these examples:

  • Oh, I’m sorry, but I need to recover from my surgery. I hope you can understand that and give me some time.
  • I’m sorry, but I need to recover from my surgery. I’ll get Alison to let you know when I’m ready to see you.

2. I’m Not Ready for Visitors Just Yet

You should try using “I’m not ready for visitors just yet” to tell your family you don’t want visitors. It’s a polite way to say “no visitors,” which shows you simply need more time to recover.

Words like “not ready” and “yet” show you currently do not want to see anyone. However, they also suggest you will be happy to see people in the future once you feel a bit better.

Check out the following examples to help you with it:

  • I’m not ready for visitors just yet, mom. Please bear with me, and I’ll let you know when I can see you again.
  • I’m not ready for visitors just yet, guys. I’m doing OK, but I still need a few days alone to recover.

3. Please Bear With Me While I Recover

You can use “please bear with me while I recover” as a slightly more informal alternative to “no visitors.” It’s a great one to use when talking to friends who want to see you after you’ve been through surgery.

Check these examples out if you’re still unsure:

  • Please bear with me while I recover, guys. I know you’re keen to see me, but I’d like to be back to full health first.
  • I’ve just been through a rough surgery. So, please bear with me while I recover. I’ll let you know when you can visit.

4. I Will Let You Know When I’m Ready for Visitors

If you want a slightly more professional alternative, you should start with “I will let you know when I’m ready for visitors.” It’s a great way to keep colleagues in the loop about your situation.

You can use it when messaging coworkers to tell them when you might be feeling good enough to see them. It’s also a good way to build slightly more personal relationships with the people you work with.

Here are a few examples to show you how to use it:

  • I will let you know when I’m ready for visitors. I appreciate all your kind words, but I cannot see anyone yet.
  • Of course, I will let you know when I’m ready for visitors. For now, please let me have some peace.

5. I Can’t Wait to See You, but I Need to Recover First

It’s always useful to start a “no visitors” phrase with “I can’t wait to see you.” It’s a loving way to show people that you’re excited to see them when things get back to normal.

“But I need to recover first” lets people know they shouldn’t have to wait much longer before you feel better. It simply tells them you need more time before you’re ready to see people properly.

You can also refer to the following examples:

  • Guys, I can’t wait to see you, but I need to recover first. It should only be a few more days. I’ll let you know.
  • Of course, I can’t wait to see you, but I need to recover first. Please bear with me until I’m ready for you!

6. I’ll Let You Know When I’m Ready for You to Visit

You can use “I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to visit” in more formal situations. It’s a great way to show coworkers that you’re not ready to see them, but you might be soon.

We recommend using it when talking to people outside of your close friendship and family circles. It’s a great way to maintain a polite and positive relationship with someone.

Check out these examples to help you understand it:

  • I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to visit. I can’t imagine it’ll take much longer, but you never know.
  • I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to visit, mom. I appreciate you checking in, of course.

7. I Don’t Want Any Visitors Until I’m Better

If people aren’t quite understanding your plea for “no visitors,” you could say “I don’t want any visitors until I’m better.” It’s certainly more direct than most alternatives.

Generally, this phrase only works when talking to people you’re not close to. You shouldn’t use it when talking to friends and family in case you upset them.

You can also learn from the following examples:

  • I’m afraid I don’t want any visitors until I’m better. Can you let the others know so they don’t disturb me?
  • Thanks for checking in, but I don’t want any visitors until I’m better. I hope you can understand.

8. Please Tell Them Not to Visit Me

It’s also worth asking someone else to let people know not to visit you after surgery. Saying “please tell them not to visit me” to a close relative allows them to talk to your friends on your behalf.

Then, you don’t have to deal with anyone face-to-face and let them down. It’s a better way to deal with the situation if you’re worried about upsetting people.

Perhaps you’d benefit from learning more by reading the following:

  • Please tell them not to visit me while I recover. I need a few days alone to get myself sorted.
  • Dad, please tell them not to visit me just yet. I want a few days to get back to my normal self first.

9. I’m Not Ready for Any Visitors, so Please Wait

“I’m not ready for any visitors, so please wait” is a simple alternative to “no visitors.” You can use it when talking to friends who might be interested in visiting you.

It simply tells them to be patient before visiting you. “Please wait” is a polite way to show that you’re not quite ready and need more time to recover.

If you’re still stuck, refer to the following examples:

  • Oh, I’m not ready for any visitors, so please wait. Of course, I’ll get George to tell you when I’m ready.
  • I’m not ready for any visitors, so please wait a while. It shouldn’t be too much longer before I recover fully.

10. Please Allow Me to Recover Before Checking In

A more casual alternative is “please allow me to recover before checking in.” You can direct it towards friends when they’re keen to hear about your condition.

If you’re not quite ready to talk to your friends or share more about your surgery, you can use a simple phrase like this to tell them. Good friends will respect your wishes and leave you for a while before checking in again.

You can also refer to the following examples to help you:

  • Please allow me to recover before checking in. I appreciate how much you care, but I’m not ready yet.
  • As much as I love you all, please allow me to recover before checking in. It shouldn’t be much longer now.