Preparing for Surgery

What should I do the day before surgery?

• Do NOT eat any solid food after midnight on the night before surgery.
• Have a light supper (no fried or fatty foods) on the night before surgery.
• Do NOT drink alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
• You can have water up to 8 hours before the scheduled time of surgery.
• Take off all piercings and jewelry (including wedding rings).
• Remove nail polish or fake nails.

What should I bring to the hospital?

Limit the personal things you bring to the hospital. Only bring the most important items such as:

Medical items:

• A copy of your Health Care Directives
• Any test results or forms you were told to bring
• Home medications as directed by surgery scheduling
• CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea
• Insurance details

Toiletry items:

• Comb and brush
• Razor and shaving cream (electric razor preferred)
• Body wash or soap (if you want your own brand), and deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, denture cleanser and denture cup

Clothing: (you will be getting dressed in your own clothes the day after surgery.)

• Loose-fitting clothing, such as sweats
• Loose, non-slip footwear (such as Velcro shoes)
• Underwear, pajamas, and/or robe
• Cases for glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or contacts

Pre-surgery checklists are available here:

• Checklist
• Financial Information
• Medication Instructions
• Pre-Operative Scrub Instructions
• Surgery Instructions

DO NOT bring valuables to the hospital with you. You may bring your cell phone and charger.