Pre & Post Operation
General guidance to help you get ready for your procedure and recover well.
Please note: always follow the specific medication instructions from your physician or surgeon.
Before Your Procedure
Your Medications
Most people should keep taking their usual medications, with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery. Some, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications, may need to be adjusted beforehand.
Check with your physician or surgeon about which medications to continue, change or pause before your procedure.
Eating and Drinking
Stop eating solid food at least six hours before surgery, and have no thick liquids after midnight.
Clear liquids such as water, clear broth, sports drinks or tea with nothing added are usually fine until two hours before surgery.
Getting Ready
- Skip alcohol and tobacco the day before
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes and leave valuables at home
- A wedding band and small stud earrings are fine
- Plan to change into a gown when you arrive
When You Arrive
A nurse checks your vital signs, and your anesthesiologist meets you to review the plan, answer questions and make sure you're comfortable.
After Your Procedure
Recovery
How long recovery takes depends on the procedure. Before you go home you'll get something to eat and drink along with written discharge instructions. Expect to rest and take it easy for a while, and keep any follow-up appointments your care team schedules.
Call Your Doctor If
- The surgical site becomes more painful, red or swollen
- Bleeding doesn't stop
- Pain isn't controlled by the medication you were prescribed