For Patients
Before surgery.
A general guide. Your specific operation may add or change a few items — anything Dr. Ursiny tells you in the office or pre-op visit overrides what is on this page.
Two weeks before
- Stop or adjust blood thinners — only on the schedule given in clinic. Do not stop on your own; some require coordination with the prescribing physician.
- Stop herbal supplements — many (garlic, ginkgo, fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric) increase bleeding risk and should be paused two weeks before surgery.
- If you smoke — even cutting back meaningfully helps wound healing and lung recovery from anesthesia. Two weeks is enough to make a difference.
- Pre-op testing — labs, EKG, and any required clearances are scheduled at this point.
One week before
- Confirm your ride home from the hospital. You cannot drive yourself after general anesthesia.
- Confirm someone is available to stay with you the first night.
- Fill any prescriptions you have been sent (stool softeners, pain medication, antibiotics, catheter care supplies).
- Set up your recovery space — somewhere quiet, with a recliner or a bed with good back support, a phone charger nearby, and a water bottle within reach.
Two days before
- Eat lighter, well-balanced meals.
- Increase fluids unless told otherwise.
The day before
- Nothing to eat after midnight the night before surgery. Clear liquids (water, black coffee with no milk, clear apple juice, sports drinks) are usually fine up to 2 hours before arrival — but follow the specific instructions you are given.
- Shower with regular soap. Do not use lotions, perfumes, or makeup the day of surgery.
- Lay out comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear home.
- Pack a small bag: phone charger, ID, insurance card, list of medications, glasses, a book.
- Sleep as much as you can. It is normal to be anxious.
The morning of surgery
- Take any medications you have been instructed to take with a small sip of water.
- No food, no chewing gum, no candy.
- Arrive at the time given — not before, not after.
- Leave valuables and jewelry at home.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- An updated list of medications (names, doses, frequency)
- Phone and charger
- Loose-fitting clothes for the ride home
- A pillow if you are traveling a long way home — a pillow on the lap is comfortable in the car
What to leave at home
- Jewelry, watches, and rings (cannot be worn through anesthesia)
- Large sums of cash or valuables
- Lotions, perfumes, makeup, contact lenses (bring glasses)