He wears several layers of clothes all the time & still cold. After the surgery that entire leg, foot, & hip were black & blue plus greatly swollen. He was also extemely disoriented (did not know where he was or his wife for days, if not weeks)! Also he never regained his full memory. Mom & dad said the doctor says doesn't know why.
His skin does not feel colder to touch than mine.
Put them close to your father's skin, then put other blankets over them. They're soft and provide a warmth far more than blankets that are much thicker. And they warm up very quickly when put directly on a person; then a thicker blanket holds in the warmth.
I can't really identify the material - they're not fleece, they might be closer to felted material, but they are soft and comfy.
I plan to buy some of that material and make special emergency linings for mittens, socks, hats, sweat shirts and pants linings - to carry in the car in the event of a breakdown in colder weather.
As noted above low thyroid levels will contribute to feeling cold.
As far as anesthesia is concerned, it can be very tricky for the elderly and the after effects can be substantial. Not really anything you can do to prevent that if the surgery is needed. As always weigh the risks and benefits. Don't make urgent decisions to save an elders life when allowing nature to take it's course may be the kinder way to go. Quality rather than quantity of life is the most important consideration.
I would have dad's thyroid checked, but he could also have just developed this w/o any "intervention" such as the surgery. My hubby is freezing all the time and he weighs almost 300 lbs. Fat isn't the issue--thyroid either. He had a liver transplant 10 years ago, and has been cold ever since.
My mother wears a sweater year round and we live in Utah where summers the temps hang at 90 for many days. Her hands are ALWAYS ice cold. Probably the poor circulation and the fact she doesn't move much.
Hes currently much thinner than normal however, at the time he weighed same or more than usual. Hes always been at a good weight until past year.
There also could be some vascular problems that resulted either from the injuries or after the surgery. Have you touched both legs to see if there's an obvious temperature difference?
For some elders, if they have a thyroid condition it will make them feel like they are freezing. Even with thyroid pills, the elders will still complain about the cold. To help Dad feel warmer, make sure his shirt is tucked into his slacks, that can make a big difference.