Getting Ready for Surgery: Your Checklist
Medical-Surgical · Perioperative / Pre & Post-Op
Good preparation keeps you safe during surgery and helps you heal. Follow your care team's written instructions, because they are made for you.
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
Call your provider today if you have
- A fever, a cold, or a cough before surgery
- A rash, cut, or sore near the surgery area
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or a possible pregnancy
- Questions about which medicines to stop
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden trouble breathing
- Sudden weakness on one side, a drooping face, or trouble speaking
- Bleeding that will not stop