What to Do Before Surgery
The surgical process does not begin in the operating room. It starts the moment the decision for surgery is made, and how well you prepare directly affects how smoothly your surgery goes and how quickly you recover. Preoperative preparation covers several important areas, and understanding each of them helps reduce anxiety and improves outcomes.
Medical Evaluation
Before any surgery, your overall health must be assessed thoroughly. This includes reviewing the condition that requires surgery, evaluating any underlying diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, checking your nutritional status, and confirming that your heart, lungs, and kidneys are functioning well enough for the procedure. Your surgeon may order blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or other studies depending on your age and medical history.
If you have a chronic condition, your doctors will coordinate with your specialist to make sure it is well controlled before surgery. Medication adjustments are also managed during this phase. Some medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medications, need to be paused or adjusted before the procedure.
What to Eat and Drink Before Surgery
Proper nutrition supports healing, so eating well in the days before surgery is beneficial. Focus on foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and stay well hydrated. However, there are specific fasting rules that must be followed on the day of surgery.
You should stop eating solid foods, milk, and dairy products at least six hours before your scheduled surgery time. Clear water is allowed up to two hours before anesthesia, but nothing more. If you take daily medications, ask your surgeon whether you should take them with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.
What to Do the Night Before and Morning Of
Take a shower with regular soap the night before surgery. Do not shave the surgical area yourself; if hair removal is needed, the surgical team will do it. Remove all jewelry, piercings, contact lenses, and dentures before leaving for the hospital. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. Arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital and take you home afterward.
Psychological Preparation
It is completely normal to feel anxious before surgery. The fear of the unknown, concerns about pain, and worries about the outcome are all common. One of the most effective ways to reduce this anxiety is to know what to expect. Ask your surgical team questions until you feel comfortable with the plan. Breathing exercises, meditation, and positive visualization can also help calm your mind before the procedure.
Breathing Exercises
One of the most important things you can learn before surgery is how to breathe deeply and cough effectively afterward. These exercises help prevent lung complications after anesthesia. Practice slow, deep breaths through your nose, letting your belly rise as you inhale. Exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if you are whistling. After surgery, this technique helps keep your lungs clear and reduces the risk of pneumonia.
For a detailed guide on what happens on the day of surgery, see our day of surgery guide. If you have specific questions about your preparation, contact our team.
