Schedule your pre-operative appointment with the surgeon
This appointment typically happens 1-2 weeks before surgery. Bring a written list of all medications (including supplements and vitamins) with exact dosages. Prepare at least 5 questions to ask.
Confirm the date, time, and location of surgery
Ask about expected recovery timeline
Complete required blood work and lab tests
Most surgeries require a complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, and coagulation studies within 30 days of the procedure. Schedule labs at least 10 days before surgery so results are ready in time.
Get medical clearance from your primary care doctor
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions, clearance may require an EKG, chest X-ray, or specialist sign-off. Start this process 3-4 weeks before surgery to avoid delays.
Notify your surgeon of all current medications
Blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements typically need to be stopped 7-10 days before surgery. Never stop prescription medications without your doctor's specific instructions.
Review anesthesia options with the anesthesiologist
If you have had reactions to anesthesia before, mention this at least 2 weeks ahead. About 1 in 10 patients experience nausea from general anesthesia; ask about anti-nausea medication in advance.
Insurance and Financial Planning
Verify insurance pre-authorization for the procedure
Call your insurance company 3 weeks before surgery. Note the reference number, the representative's name, and the date of the call. Pre-authorization can take 5-15 business days to process.
Understand your out-of-pocket costs
Ask the hospital billing department for an estimate. Typical deductibles range from $500 to $5,000. Confirm whether the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility are all in-network to avoid surprise bills.
Set up a payment plan if needed
Most hospitals offer interest-free payment plans for 6-12 months. Apply before your surgery date. If you qualify for financial assistance, applications usually take 2-3 weeks to process.
Request time off work and file short-term disability if applicable
Most employers require 2 weeks' notice for medical leave. Short-term disability typically covers 60-70% of your salary and requires your surgeon to complete paperwork within 5 business days.
Home Recovery Preparation
Set up a comfortable recovery area
Arrange a bed or recliner on the main floor if your bedroom is upstairs. Keep a side table within arm's reach stocked with water, medications, phone charger, and tissues. Test the setup for 1 hour before surgery day.
Place pillows for elevation if needed
Ensure a clear path to the bathroom
Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals for 1-2 weeks
Prepare and freeze 10-14 single-serving meals before surgery. Focus on high-protein foods (30g protein per meal) to support healing. Soups, casseroles, and smoothie packs freeze well for 3 months.
Arrange help for the first 48-72 hours minimum
You will need someone present for at least the first 2-3 days post-surgery, especially after general anesthesia. Confirm your helper's schedule in writing 1 week before the procedure.
Place commonly used items at waist height
Move dishes, utensils, towels, and clothing to counter or waist-level shelves. Bending and reaching overhead are restricted after most surgeries for 2-6 weeks depending on the procedure.
Install safety aids if needed
Grab bars for the shower cost $15-40 and take 20 minutes to install. A raised toilet seat ($25-50) is recommended after hip or knee surgery. A shower chair ($30-60) prevents falls during recovery.
Day-Before Preparation
Follow fasting instructions exactly
Most surgeries require no food for 8 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure. Eating within this window can cause your surgery to be cancelled or rescheduled.
Shower with antibacterial soap as directed
Surgeons often prescribe chlorhexidine (CHG) wash the night before and morning of surgery. Apply from the neck down, let it sit for 2 minutes, then rinse. Do not apply lotion, deodorant, or powder afterward.
Pack your hospital bag
Bring your ID, insurance card, a list of medications, loose comfortable clothing, phone charger, and slip-on shoes. Leave jewelry, valuables, and more than $20 cash at home.
Include a copy of your advance directive
Pack any prescribed pre-op medications
Confirm your ride to and from the hospital
You cannot drive yourself home after any procedure involving anesthesia or sedation. Confirm your driver's availability for both drop-off (typically 2 hours before surgery) and pickup (which may be 1-8 hours after).
Day-Of Surgery
Arrive at the hospital at the specified check-in time
Most hospitals require arrival 1.5-2 hours before the scheduled procedure. Late arrival can result in cancellation if the operating room schedule is full. Factor in 15 extra minutes for parking.
Bring your photo ID and insurance card
Registration requires a government-issued photo ID. If your insurance information has changed since your pre-op appointment, bring the updated card. Keep a photo of both cards on your phone as backup.
Remove all jewelry, piercings, nail polish, and contact lenses
Metal jewelry can cause burns during electrocautery. Nail polish prevents the pulse oximeter from reading oxygen levels accurately. Remove all items before arriving to save time during check-in.
Ask your care team to confirm the procedure details
Before anesthesia, your surgical team will verify your name, procedure, and surgical site at least 3 times. This is a safety protocol. Speak up immediately if any detail is incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start preparing for surgery?
Start at least 2-4 weeks before your scheduled date. This gives you time to complete pre-op testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray), get medical clearances from specialists, arrange time off work, stock your home with recovery supplies, and coordinate a caregiver for the first 24-72 hours post-op.
What medications should I stop before surgery?
Your surgeon will give you a specific list, but commonly paused medications include aspirin and NSAIDs (7-10 days before), blood thinners like warfarin (5 days) or Eliquis (2-3 days), certain herbal supplements like ginkgo, garlic, and fish oil (2 weeks), and vitamin E. Never stop any medication without your surgeon or prescribing doctor confirming. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
Why can I not eat or drink before surgery?
An empty stomach prevents aspiration, which is when stomach contents enter your lungs during anesthesia. This can cause pneumonia or, in rare cases, be life-threatening. The standard rule is no solid food for 8 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure. Your anesthesiologist may have stricter requirements for certain surgeries.
What questions should I ask my surgeon before the procedure?
Ask about the success rate for your specific procedure, what the most common complications are and their likelihood, how many times the surgeon has performed this operation, what the expected recovery timeline looks like, and what specific restrictions you will have afterward (lifting limits, driving, returning to work). Write your questions down beforehand so you do not forget any.
How should I prepare my home for post-surgery recovery?
Set up a recovery station on the same floor as your bathroom with pillows, blankets, medications, water, snacks, phone charger, and entertainment within arms reach. Install grab bars near the toilet if you are having lower body surgery. Move frequently used items to counter height. Pre-cook and freeze 7-10 days of meals. Clear pathways of rugs and cords to prevent falls.