Preparing for Surgery

Safety Tips for Before and After Surgery

You can make surgical procedure and follow-up care as safe as possible. Here’s what you need to know.

• Bring a list of questions about your surgery.
• Review your medications with your physician.
• Share your allergies to medications or foods with your physician.
• Learn about any restrictions you need to follow before surgery for medication, food, bathing and personal care.
• Ask if you will need therapy after surgery and what kind you may need.

• Follow any pre-surgical instructions you were given.
• Leave valuables at home except money, which should be brought for co-pays and deductibles.
• Allow plenty of time for travel.
• Once you arrive at the hospital, you will be given an Informed Consent form to read and sign. If you don’t understand something, ask questions before signing the form.

• Speak up about any pain you are having, specifying the location and intensity.
• Ask about the medications you are receiving and their side effects.
• Talk with your surgeon about post-surgery restrictions.
• Receive post-surgical care instructions before leaving.

Before surgery or procedure

• What will happen before the surgery or procedure?
• How long will it take?
• Where can my family wait for me?
• What effects (temporary or permanent) will the surgery have on me?
• What is the doctor’s experience in performing this procedure?
• What medicines will be prescribed (short term/long term)?
• For how long will I have to rest at home after surgery?

After surgery or procedure

• When should I call my doctor?
• How long should I stay in bed?
• How much activity can I do?
• What type of diet should I eat?
• How soon can I drive?
• When can I go back to work?
• Can I have sex?
• When should I schedule a visit to the doctor?
• What changes should I make in my lifestyle?