Getting Ready for Surgery: Your Checklist

Follow your eating and drinking times

• Follow your fasting times exactly. Food or drink in your stomach can get into your lungs during surgery.
• Usual rule: no solid food for 6 to 8 hours before. Clear liquids, such as water, apple juice, or black coffee, until 2 hours before, or as told.
• Stop food at: ____________. Stop clear liquids at: ____________.

Ask about your medicines

• Bring a list of all your medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Stop blood thinners, some diabetes medicines, and herbal products only when your surgeon tells you.
• Medicines to stop, and when: ____________.

Get your body ready

• Wash your skin with the soap your team gives you, as told.
• Do not shave near the surgery area. Tiny cuts let germs in.
• Stop smoking and vaping now. Quitting 4 weeks before surgery is best.

On surgery day

• Remove jewelry, piercings, makeup, and nail polish as told.
• Have an adult drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
• Do not drive, drink alcohol, or sign important papers for 24 hours.

Tell your team

• Your allergies and any past problems with anesthesia (sleep medicine for surgery)
• Loose teeth, sleep apnea, or a possible pregnancy