Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery helps ease your recovery. Your doctor will help you prepare for your specific procedure. The following are general guidelines to follow no matter the type of surgery you are having.

• One month before surgery

See your primary care doctor for a checkup and get your complete medical history. Stop taking vitamins and supplements about two weeks before surgery. Remember to ask your surgeon any questions you have about your procedure.

• One week before surgery

Let your doctor know if your health changes. This could be a fever, injury or minor illness. Also, keep taking prescription medicine as directed. But check with your surgeon before taking other medicines, like ibuprofen or aspirin. They can cause problems with blood clotting and anesthesia.

• The day before surgery

Follow eating and drinking directions from your nurse. Don’t use tobacco after midnight. Bathe with liquid antiseptic soap the night before and the morning of the surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Finalize any plans you need like childcare, pet-sitting and a ride home from the hospital.

• The day of your surgery

Arrive 90 minutes before your procedure to check in. Avoid wearing hair products like mousse or hairspray, wigs, makeup or false eyelashes. Remember to bring your insurance card and a case for glasses or contacts if needed. If you have a living will, remember to bring a copy with you to the hospital.