Preparation for your procedure
What to Expect – Prior to Surgery
What should I do prior to my surgery/procedure?
- Follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon including when to stop eating or drinking and when to stop any medications you are taking.
- Limit alcohol consumption and try to drink lots of water.
- Do not use street drugs, including marijuana, in the days leading up to your surgery. These drugs can affect your body’s physiology and interact with anesthesia in unpredictable ways.
- Arrange for a ride home and a responsible adult who can be available to you after surgery. You cannot take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, public transportation, etc… home. If you do not have a responsible adult to bring you home, your surgery/procedure may be cancelled.
Why can’t I eat before surgery?
While uncomfortable for some individuals, fasting is important for your safety. Anesthesia can relax the muscles that keep stomach contents in the stomach. This creates an opportunity for stomach contents to reflux up the esophagus and get into the lungs. This is a serious medical condition called aspiration and can make people critically ill.
Should I stop my medications before surgery?
Most medications should not be interrupted and can be taken on the day of surgery with a small sip of water. There are certain medications that cannot be taken, however. Discuss your medications with your surgeon and follow any instructions that have been provided to you.
Should I stop smoking or vaping before surgery?
YES! The toxins contained in cigarette and vape smoke can adversely affect your lungs during and after surgery and also inhibit healing making post-operative complication more likely. Even stopping the week before surgery and as long as possible after surgery is helpful.
Should I stop taking herbal and dietary supplements before surgery?
Guidance should be received from your surgeon or primary healthcare provider. Make a complete list of all supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter medications you take and share the list with your surgeon well before your procedure and follow their instructions about which supplements to stop and when.
My instructions say to only drink clear liquids for 24 hours prior to surgery. What is considered a clear liquid?
Examples of clear liquids include:
- Black coffee without cream
- Fat free broth
- Jello
- Fruit juice without pulp
Follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon including when to stop eating or drinking and when to stop any medications you are taking.
What to Expect – Day of Surgery
What should I do on the day of my surgery/procedure?
- Observe all fasting guidelines that have been provided by your surgeon or the pre-operative clinic.
- Understand your check-in time and have your phone nearby if there are last-minute schedule changes.
- Do not apply lotions, perfumes / colognes, nail polish, hairspray, or false eyelashes.
- If possible, remove (and leave at home) any body piercings and jewelry.
- Do not shave the operative area.
- If you are a contact lens wearer, consider wearing glasses or at least bringing glasses with you.
- It is OK to brush your teeth. Just please don’t swallow water.
What should I bring with me to the facility on the day of my surgery/procedure?
- A valid government issued ID
- An updated insurance card
- A list of your home medications, including dosages.
- A form of payment if you are required to pay a co-pay
- Your CPAP or BiPAP machine, if you use one.
- A portable oxygen tank if you use home oxygen.
- If you have cardiac stents or a pacemaker / defibrillator, bring the information card they gave you.
- Any medical equipment that your surgeon gave you (braces, crutches, etc…).
