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A step-by-step checklist to prepare for an operation: questions to ask, medicines, fasting, smoking, what to pack and how to plan your recovery.
By Editorial Team · Updated · 3 min read
This article is awaiting review by a qualified medical professional.
Quick answer
To prepare for surgery, attend your pre-operation assessment, tell the team about every medicine and supplement you take, follow the fasting and medicine instructions exactly, stop smoking if you can, and arrange transport and help at home. Ask your surgeon what the operation involves, the risks and how long recovery will take.
Good preparation lowers the risk of complications and helps you recover faster. This checklist applies to most planned operations, but your hospital's instructions always come first.
Ask your surgeon:
You will be asked to sign a consent form. Do not sign until you understand what you are agreeing to.
The team may check your blood pressure, heart, blood tests and general health, and give written instructions. Tell them about:
Some medicines, such as blood thinners, some diabetes medicines and certain supplements, may need to be paused or adjusted. Only change medicines if the team tells you to.
Stopping smoking, ideally at least 4 weeks before surgery, reduces infection, breathing problems and slow healing. Avoid alcohol in the days before surgery and ask about cutting down earlier if you drink heavily.
Gentle exercise, protein-rich food and a balanced diet help your body heal. Treat any infections, such as a cold, sore tooth or skin infection, and tell the team if you become unwell.
You will check in, change into a gown and meet the surgical and anesthesia team, who will confirm your name, the operation and any allergies. Anesthesia may be:
Contact the hospital before surgery if you develop a fever, cough, cold, skin infection or any new health problem, or if you are unsure about an instruction. After surgery, call promptly for fever, worsening pain, wound redness or discharge, heavy bleeding, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath or a swollen, painful leg.
Typical guidance is no solid food for at least 6 to 8 hours and clear fluids until about 2 hours before, but rules vary. Follow the exact instructions from your hospital, because eating too close to surgery can be dangerous under anesthesia.
Never stop or change medicines on your own. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and some supplements and herbal products may need to be adjusted, and the team will tell you exactly what to do.
Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of infection, breathing problems and heart complications. Stopping at least 4 weeks before surgery lowers the risk, and stopping even closer to the date still helps.
Bring photo ID and insurance details, a list of your medicines and allergies, comfortable loose clothing, toiletries, glasses or hearing aids, and any paperwork the hospital asked for. Leave valuables at home.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or other qualified health professional. See our medical disclaimer.
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