What to Do Before Scheduling Your Surgery

Good outcomes start long before the operating room. The choices you make now can reduce stress, shorten recovery, and lower costs. Think of this period as a planning window where you clarify the need for surgery, optimize your health, and align plans with your support system.

Start with your primary health care provider

Begin the conversation with your primary health care provider, who understands your history and medications. They can review the reason for surgery, discuss non-surgical options, flag risks, and help you choose the right specialty. Bring symptom notes, past imaging, allergies, and a current medication and supplement list.

Get clear on the decision

Before you schedule, ask the surgeon’s office these questions:

• What problem is the surgery solving, and what happens if I wait
• What are the expected benefits, risks, and alternatives
• Outpatient or inpatient, and how long is typical recovery
• When can I drive, return to work, and lift children or heavy items
• What warning signs should lead me to call immediately

If you want a second opinion, your primary team can help coordinate it.

Optimize medicines and conditions

Some medicines increase bleeding risk or interact with anesthesia. Ask which drugs to stop, continue, or substitute. Stabilize chronic conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or sleep apnea, and update vaccines if recommended. If you smoke or vape, quitting now improves wound healing and lowers complications.

Plan the logistics and costs

• Confirm insurance coverage, prior authorization, and in-network facilities
• Ask for a cost estimate for the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and pathology
• Choose a date that allows a calm pre-op week and help at home afterward
• Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and the first follow-up

Ask how to reach your care team after hours, and save the portal link on your phone for quick questions later.

Prepare your body

Focus on steady sleep, balanced meals, hydration, and light activity unless instructed otherwise. Aim for protein at each meal to support healing. If you have a cold, fever, or new rash, call the clinic to discuss timing.

Create a simple checklist

• Identify a caregiver for the first 24 to 48 hours and share key phone numbers
• Set up an area to rest that avoids stairs, clutter, and trip hazards
• Place commonly used items at waist height to avoid bending or straining

Ready your home and support

Set up a recovery space with pillows, chargers, easy-to-reach items, and a clear path to the bathroom. Stock simple meals and over-the-counter basics such as acetaminophen, stool softener, and bandage supplies your team approves.

Schedule the preoperative exam

Once you and your surgeon agree on a plan, book your preoperative exam. This visit reviews your medical history, vitals, and lab needs, and confirms you are ready for anesthesia. You will receive instructions about fasting, skin prep, and medication timing, which protect safety on the day of surgery. Many checklists from major health systems emphasize these same steps.

When to call now

Reach out promptly if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, uncontrolled blood sugars, a new infection, or if you might be pregnant. Early communication can prevent last-minute cancellations.

Planning with a trusted team makes surgery safer and recovery smoother. If you want practical guidance and clear next steps, start with a visit that aligns the plan to your health, schedule, and budget. You can schedule an adult preventive exam to review readiness, or use same-day appointments for new concerns that should not wait. For coordinated lab work and diagnostics, our on-site services keep visits efficient so you arrive on surgery day prepared and confident.