What should I not do before my pre-op?

Asked by: Sylvia Mayer  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (24 votes)

Pre-Operative Instructions
  • Do not take anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your appointment. ...
  • No cannabis in any form or any recreational drugs, whether legal or illegal, for 24 hours in advance.
  • Eat a light, easily digested meal the night before the operation.
  • Get plenty of rest the night before the operation.

What should I avoid 7 days before surgery?

7 DAYS before surgery:
  • Plavix, Pradaxa, Eliquis (blood thinners)
  • Aspirin.
  • Any anti-inflammatory medication (except Celebrex) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol, Nuprin, Pamprin) Naprosyn (Aleve, Naproxen, Anaprox) Voltaren.
  • Any herbal supplements.
  • Vitamins (multivitamin, etc)

What are the rules for pre op?

It is generally required that you not eat or drink after midnight before surgery. If you are having surgery in the head and neck area (facial surgery, especially) be sure to shampoo the morning of surgery. If you are having surgery on the abdomen, you should take a clear liquid diet for the day before surgery.

What are the worst things to do before surgery?

Don't:
  • Eat anything for eight hours before surgery. It takes the stomach eight hours to empty. ...
  • Drink alcohol. Avoid drinking for several days before surgery. ...
  • Smoke. ...
  • Do anything important after your procedure.

What is the most important thing to do pre op?

Spend the time before the procedure being as active as you can, eating right and getting good sleep. If you smoke, stop as soon as possible — even if it's just a day or two before surgery — because smoking can cause problems with breathing and recovery from anesthesia and surgery.

What to do the night before surgery?

41 related questions found

How to boost your immune system before surgery?

In the weeks heading into surgery, consider incorporating more of the following produce into your daily diet:
  1. Spinach.
  2. Kale.
  3. Carrots.
  4. Sweet potatoes.
  5. Bell peppers.
  6. Beets.
  7. Brocoli.
  8. Citrus fruits.

How long should a pre op take?

It includes an assessment of your health and fitness before surgery by carrying out various tests and investigations. If you have more complex medical issues, you may be seen in a clinic led by an anaesthetic consultant. A pre-operative assessment appointment can take up to 1 to 2 hours long.

What is the best meal to eat the night before surgery?

The best foods to eat before surgery

Here's a guide to what you should focus on: Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans, and legumes. Lean red meat in moderation is also a good source of iron. Complex carbs: Whole grains, oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat pasta will help to keep the energy levels ...

What is the most painful surgery on your body?

Here, we outline what are considered to be five of the most painful surgeries:
  1. Open surgery on the heel bone. If a person fractures their heel bone, they may need surgery. ...
  2. Spinal fusion. The bones that make up the spine are known as vertebrae. ...
  3. Myomectomy. ...
  4. Proctocolectomy. ...
  5. Complex spinal reconstruction.

What makes a patient high risk for surgery?

Risks. Understand how certain health factors, conditions, or habits such as age, smoking, obesity, and sleep apnea may increase the chance for complications. Certain health factors can increase surgery and anesthesia risks.

What not to do before getting anesthesia?

Absolutely no food, drink, gum, or ice chips usually after midnight the day before surgery. This helps prevent you from vomiting while you are under anesthesia. Vomiting can be dangerous if it happens during anesthesia. Try to stop smoking if you are a smoker.

What do you wear to a pre-op?

We would advise that patients wear either loose clothing or clothing than can be removed easily, as this will make it easier to carry out certain tests such as measuring your blood pressure or your heart rate.

How long is a patient in pre-op?

The entire pre-op phase normally takes 45 minutes to an hour. This can be compared to the patient leaving the room at the hospital to go to surgery.

What foods interfere with anesthesia?

These foods may have a negative effect on circulation and may inhibit healing or interfere with anesthesia:
  • Cayenne.
  • Green tea.
  • Ginko.
  • Flaxseed.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Garlic.
  • Potatoes.
  • Eggplant.

What happens if I drink water 2 hours before surgery?

A number of studies show that patients do much better if they're allowed to drink up to two hours before surgery. Patients who do so are more comfortable, they have less anxiety about surgery, and they have less pain after surgery.

Do I need to stop vitamin D before surgery?

You may not need to stop vitamin D before surgery. Studies have shown that patients with vitamin D deficiency have higher mortality rates after ICU admissions. Also, patients who underwent non-heart surgery and had high vitamin D levels have been found to have significantly lower mortality rates.

What are the top 3 riskiest surgeries?

Which Surgical Procedures Are the Most Dangerous?
  • Brain surgery. One of the most dangerous procedures is any type of surgery on the brain or skull. ...
  • Heart surgery. ...
  • Cancer surgery. ...
  • Transplants. ...
  • Spinal cord surgery. ...
  • What if my doctor made a mistake during my surgery?

Which surgery is worse, knee or shoulder?

If you average out a thousand people that have had their shoulder and their knee replaced, um, at least 70 to 80% of the shoulder replacements will have had a quicker, simpler, less painful recovery with a better overall outcome in terms of how much better their joint feels now.

What day is most painful after surgery?

Day 3 After Surgery

The inflammatory response tends peak during this time and can lead to increased pain. Also, by day 3 many patients are trying to wean themselves off of pain medication and pain can escalate. Once pain gets to a certain level, it is very hard to play catch up.

Why drink apple juice before surgery?

Drinking 500 mL (2 cups) of clear apple juice or cranberry cocktail 3 hours before your Surgery Time is called carbohydrate loading (carb loading). Carb loading helps your body have enough energy to get through the physical stress of surgery. The extra energy helps you begin your recovery immediately after surgery.

Are eggs good to eat before surgery?

Protein. Proteins contain amino acids that are essential to the healing and growth of tissues. Healthy proteins can be found in lean meats such as poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, and tofu. Dairy products are also a good source of protein but may worsen any constipation you may experience from pain meds.

What should I do the morning before surgery?

Follow instructions about not eating or drinking. You may be told not to eat or drink after the midnight before your surgery. Sometimes you can drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before your operation. If your surgeon told you to take any medicine on the day of surgery, take it with a small sip of water.

Do they take your gown off during surgery?

Yes, your gown will be removed during surgery. It's common practice to remove the dress during surgery because it can become contaminated with bodily fluids or other substances that could contaminate the surgical site.

What is usually done at a pre op?

Pre-operative assessment

This is an appointment with a nurse, either in person or as a video or telephone call. You'll be asked questions about your health, medical history and home circumstances. If the assessment involves a visit to the hospital, some tests may be carried out.

What happens if you cough during surgery?

Coughing during surgery may result in augmented mucus production, since coughing is the body's natural reflex to expel superfluous mucus from the respiratory system. Coughing during surgery may also result in postoperative respiratory complications due to the irritation and inflammation it can cause in the airways.