Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative instructions to help ensure the safest, most successful outcome.
These are general guidelines. Your surgeon and anesthesia team will give you specific instructions, and those instructions take priority. Follow them exactly. If anything here differs from what your surgeon told you, follow your surgeon.
Eating and drinking
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure unless you are told otherwise. This includes water, coffee, gum, and hard candy.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight unless you were specifically instructed otherwise
- You may take essential medications with a small sip of water — confirm this with your anesthesia team
- No alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure
Medications
Most medications should be continued. The medications below need special instructions. Confirm each one with your surgeon.
| Medication type | Examples | Typical instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners (anticoagulants) | Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa | May need to stop 3–7 days before — confirm with your surgeon |
| Antiplatelet medications | Aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Brilinta | May need to stop 5–7 days before — confirm with your surgeon |
| Diabetes medications | Metformin, insulin | Dosing adjustment required — confirm with your surgeon |
| GLP-1 medications | Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Saxenda | Tell your surgeon and anesthesia team if you take one of these, whether for diabetes or for weight loss. They will give you specific instructions about when to stop. |
| Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex | Usually stopped 5–7 days before — confirm with your surgeon |
| All other medications | Blood pressure, thyroid, heart, and others | Generally taken as usual with a small sip of water |
Bring a written list of everything you take, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
The night before
- Shower or bathe with regular soap, or use the antiseptic wash your surgeon gave you
- Do not apply lotion, deodorant, nail polish, perfume, or makeup
- Remove nail polish from your fingers and toes — it interferes with the monitor that measures your oxygen level
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home
- Lay out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Confirm your ride and your arrival time
The day of surgery
- Arrive at your scheduled pre-op time, usually 1–2 hours before your procedure
- Bring your photo ID and insurance card
- Bring your current medication list
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — you will change into a surgical gown
- Do not wear contact lenses; bring your glasses and a case
- Remove piercings and leave jewelry at home
Getting home
You cannot drive yourself home after anesthesia or sedation. A responsible adult must drive you and stay with you for 24 hours. A taxi or rideshare is acceptable only if a responsible adult rides with you and stays with you afterward.
If you do not have someone who can drive you and stay with you, tell your surgeon’s office before the day of your procedure. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Questions
Call (510) 513-5747 or email info@rivasurgerycenter.com. For questions about your specific procedure, contact your surgeon’s office.
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For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.