The Dos and Don'ts For Preparing for Surgery

Facing an upcoming surgery can feel overwhelming, whether it's a minor outpatient surgery or a major operation. The mix of paperwork, pre-op instructions, and health concerns can quickly become stressful. Yet, researchers find that patients who properly prepare for surgery have fewer post-operative complications, faster recovery times, and higher satisfaction with their overall care experience and surgical outcomes. Proper preparation isn't just about checking boxes on a medical form — the steps you take before surgery significantly impact both your surgical experience and recovery time. 

Read on to understand the essential pre-surgical dos and don'ts that will help you approach your upcoming surgery in Los Gatos with greater peace of mind and better preparation.

Do Follow Pre-operative Instructions Carefully

Regardless of how minor your surgical procedure may be, your surgical care team will provide specific instructions for a reason — they set you up for success. These pre-surgery guidelines are typically customized for your particular procedure and health needs. When you follow these directions exactly as provided, you help reduce potential complications and create the best conditions for a successful surgery. 

Skipping or modifying instructions might seem harmless, but it could lead to surgical delays or increased risks during the procedure. So, if any part of your pre-surgery instructions seems odd or unclear, always ask your surgery team for clarification. 

Standard pre-operative instructions often include:

• Avoiding food and drink for eight to 12 hours before surgery
• Stopping certain medications like blood thinners several days in advance
• Showering with special antibacterial soap the night before or on the morning of surgery
• Removing nail polish, jewelry, and makeup before arriving
• Arranging transportation home after the procedure
• Not smoking for at least 24 hours before surgery
• Bringing a current list of medications to your surgery appointment

Don't Ignore Medication Guidelines

Certain medications and supplements don't mix well with the drugs used for sedation or anesthesia. Blood thinners can increase bleeding during procedures, while certain herbal supplements might interfere with anesthesia or affect how your body responds to surgical stress. Even common pain relievers like aspirin can pose risks. Your surgical team needs to know everything you take — prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Be completely honest about your regular medication routine, even if it includes substances you think aren't important. Your surgeon will create a clear plan for which medications to stop, which to adjust, and which to continue taking right up to surgery day. Following these medication instructions precisely could be the difference between a smooth procedure and unexpected complications.

Do Arrange for Help After Surgery

After surgery, you'll likely experience limitations that can make everyday tasks challenging. Depending on your procedure, simple activities like preparing meals, getting dressed, or even reaching items on high shelves might become temporarily impossible. 

Before your surgery date, create a solid plan for who will help you during your recovery. This might include staying with a family member, friends taking shifts to check in, or hiring professional help for more complex care needs. Don't forget about transportation to follow-up appointments, pharmacy runs for medications, and pet care if needed. 

Having this support lined up in advance prevents scrambling for help when you're already dealing with pain or mobility issues. Remember that accepting help isn't a sign of weakness — it's a smart strategy that allows you to focus your energy on healing properly.

Don't Neglect to Communicate Health Changes

Even minor health issues before surgery deserve your surgeon's attention. A seemingly harmless cold, slight fever, or small skin infection can actually affect how well your surgery goes and how safely you recover. These conditions might weaken your immune system or create complications with anesthesia. Call your doctor's office immediately if you notice any health changes in the days before your scheduled procedure, even if they seem unrelated to your surgery site. Your surgical team might need to postpone the procedure until you're healthier, or they might take extra precautions during and after surgery to keep you safe. 

While a delay might feel frustrating, it's always better than risking serious complications. Remember, your surgical team relies on you to be their eyes and ears about your body's condition before you arrive at the hospital.

Do Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Think of your home as your healing headquarters after surgery. Before you head to the hospital, set up your space for maximum comfort and minimal strain: 

• If your bedroom is upstairs but moving up and down will be difficult, create a temporary sleeping area on the main floor. 
• Place frequently used items within easy reach so you won't need to stretch, bend, or climb to get them. 
• Stock your kitchen with simple, healthy foods that require minimal preparation, and fill your prescriptions ahead of time. 
• Consider comfort items like extra pillows for positioning, a bed tray for meals, and entertainment options within arm's reach. 
• Remove fall hazards like loose rugs and cords 
• Add nightlights in dimly lit areas to make it safer to get around at night 
• Gather recovery supplies such as ice packs and mobility aids — like canes and walkers — in one accessible location

A well-prepared home environment lets you focus on healing rather than struggling with everyday tasks.

Don't Overlook the Importance of Mental Preparation

Your mind plays a powerful role in how well your body handles surgery and recovery. In fact, patients who approach procedures with excessive anxiety may experience more pain and slower healing. However, there are also proven methods that can help calm your nerves and build confidence before your surgery date:

• Try proven stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga
• Talk openly with family or friends about your worries — sometimes voicing concerns out loud makes them less overwhelming
• Write down questions as they arise and bring this list to your pre-op appointment, where your surgical team can provide reassuring answers
• Some people find comfort in learning about their procedure, while others prefer minimal details — honor what works for your personality
• Consider connecting with others who've had similar surgeries through support groups or online communities to gain practical insights and encouragement

Do Find Top Anesthesiologists in Los Gatos who use the ERAS Protocol for Your Upcoming Surgery 

Leading anesthesiologists in Los Gatos now champion the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol to dramatically improve patient experiences. 

This evidence-based approach reimagines the entire surgical journey — before, during, and after your procedure. Unlike traditional methods, which might include extended fasting and bed rest, ERAS encourages eating certain foods until closer to surgery time, getting out of bed sooner afterward, and using more targeted pain management strategies that rely less on opioids. 

Patients following ERAS protocols typically experience:

• Less anxiety before the surgical procedure
• Shorter hospital stays
• Fewer complications after surgery
• Significantly less post-surgical pain
• Faster overall recovery 

The ERAS program emphasizes proper nutrition, early mobility, and specialized fluid management during surgery. Your anesthesiologist works alongside surgeons to customize the ERAS approach to your specific needs, creating a comprehensive plan that might include carbohydrate drinks before surgery, temperature management during the procedure, and a carefully designed pain control strategy afterward. By following these research-backed guidelines, the top anesthesia providers in Los Gatos help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner than traditional approaches allow.

Ready to transform your pre-surgery anxiety into confidence by working with the best anesthesiologists in Los Gatos?