Fast From
Midnight before surgery
04 — Resources
Surgery prep, simplified.
Two weeks. One checklist. Everything your surgical team needs you to know — organized by when it needs to happen so nothing gets missed.
01 — Countdown
Your pre-op timeline, day by day.
The weeks before surgery matter as much as the procedure itself. Follow this timeline carefully — and when in doubt, call the office.
Phase 01 — 14 Days Before Surgery
Stop GLP-1 medications.
If you take a GLP-1 agonist — including Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, or any similar medication — it must be discontinued 14 days before your procedure. These medications affect gastric emptying and carry anesthesia risks if not stopped in advance. Contact your prescribing physician to coordinate.
Phase 02 — 7 Days Before Surgery
Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and narcotics.
Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, naproxen, and meloxicam. Stop aspirin-containing products unless your cardiologist has specifically instructed you to continue. Also stop any narcotic pain medications. If you take blood thinners or any other prescribed medications not listed here, consult your primary care physician or specialist before stopping anything.
Phase 03 — Night Before Surgery
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Do not eat or drink anything — including water, gum, or candy — after midnight the night before your procedure. Your surgical facility will call you the day before with your exact arrival time and any final instructions. If you have not heard from them by the evening before your surgery, contact our office.
Phase 04 — Morning of Surgery
Medications, clothing, and last checks.
You may take only the medications your primary care physician or specialist has cleared for the morning of surgery — with a small sip of water only. If you use an inhaler, bring it with you. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. Leave jewelry, valuables, and excess cash at home.
Phase 05 — Day of Surgery
Arrive early. Bring your escort.
Plan to arrive 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. A responsible adult must accompany you, remain at the facility for the duration of your procedure, and take you home afterward. This is a firm requirement — the facility cannot discharge you without an escort present.
02 — Medications
What to stop. What to continue.
Medication management before surgery is one of the most important steps you can take. When in doubt about any medication not listed here, contact your prescribing physician before stopping or continuing it.
Stop These
MED/01
14 days before
GLP-1 Agonists
Ozempic · Wegovy · Trulicity · Rybelsus and similar medications
MED/02
7 days before
NSAIDs & Anti-Inflammatories
Ibuprofen · Advil · Aleve · Motrin · Naproxen · Meloxicam
MED/03
7 days before
Aspirin-Containing Products
Unless specifically prescribed by your cardiologist — consult them before stopping
MED/04
7 days before
Narcotic Pain Medications
Vicodin · Norco · Percocet · Oxycontin · Darvocet and similar
MED/05
7 days before
Herbal & Dietary Supplements
Including Vitamin E, Echinacea, and other supplements that may affect bleeding
Continue These
MED/06
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Safe to continue as directed
MED/07
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Safe to continue as directed
MED/08
Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate
Safe to continue as directed
MED/09
Daily Vitamins
Standard multivitamins may be continued
For blood pressure, cardiac, diabetic, and pulmonary medications — follow the specific guidance of your primary care physician or specialist. Do not stop prescribed medications without their direction. If you take diabetic medications, check with your physician about whether to take them the morning of surgery.
03 — Transportation
Plan your ride. Plan your escort.
Transportation logistics are one of the most common things patients underestimate before surgery. Plan ahead — this requirement is non-negotiable.
T/01
A responsible adult is required
A family member or trusted friend must accompany you to the surgical facility, remain on-site for the duration of your procedure, and escort you home afterward. This person should be prepared to stay for the full duration of the visit.
T/02
No rideshares or taxis alone
You cannot be discharged to an Uber, Lyft, or taxi without a responsible adult accompanying you. Arrange private transportation with a designated driver in advance.
T/03
No driving while on pain medication
You may not drive a vehicle while taking narcotic pain medications after surgery. This may affect your ability to drive to your first follow-up visit — plan accordingly.
T/04
Arrange transportation early
Some surgical facilities can assist with transportation coordination. Contact your facility in advance if you need support arranging a ride home or to your follow-up appointment.
04 — Day Of
What to bring. What to leave behind.
Pack light. The essentials below are all you need — and a few things are better left at home.
Bring
✓
Photo ID (government-issued)
✓
Insurance card
✓
Responsible adult escort
✓
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (easy to remove and put back on)
✓
Inhaler or rescue medications, if applicable
✓
Any imaging in your possession (MRI, X-ray, CT scan films or discs)
✓
List of current medications if not already on file
Leave at Home
✗
Jewelry — rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings
✗
Wristwatches and smart watches
✗
Excess cash
✗
Other valuables
05 — After Surgery
Plan your recovery before you go in.
A little preparation now makes the days after surgery significantly easier. Set these arrangements up before your procedure date.
REC/01
Time off work
Plan for a minimum of 1 to 2 days off work following surgery. Depending on your procedure and the physical demands of your job, additional time may be needed — discuss this with Dr. Johnson at your pre-op visit.
REC/02
First follow-up visit
Most patients have their first post-operative visit 7 to 10 days after surgery, typically conducted via telemedicine. Some procedures require an in-person visit — your care team will advise you in advance.
REC/03
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is typically scheduled to begin 10 to 14 days after surgery — usually the day after your initial follow-up visit. Identify a physical therapist and have a facility in mind before your surgery date so there is no delay in starting.
REC/04
Home setup
Before surgery day, arrange your living space for limited mobility. Stock easy-to-prepare meals, ensure frequently used items are within reach, and have any prescribed equipment — slings, crutches, ice machines — ready at home.
Still have questions?
Reach out to our office.
Your surgical facility will contact you the day before your procedure with your exact arrival time and any final pre-operative instructions. If you have not heard from them, or if you have questions about your medications, preparation, or anything not covered here — reach out to our office directly.
Content on this page is for informational purposes and is intended to supplement — not replace — the specific instructions provided by your surgical team. Always follow the direct guidance of your care team.