Surgery Preparation
This is your guide to the few weeks before surgery. It sits alongside two things that are personal to you and always take priority: your pre-assessment phone call and your admission letter. If anything here differs from your letter, follow your letter.
Preparation
This is your guide to the few weeks before surgery. It sits alongside two things that are personal to you and always take priority: your pre-assessment phone call and your admission letter. If anything here differs from your letter, follow your letter.
The Stage at a Glance
- Stop smoking, vaping and all nicotine — at least 4 weeks before (and keep off it for at least 4 weeks after).
- If you buy your own ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen, or take supplements, stop them about 10–14 days before (check with the nursing team).
- Keep taking your prescribed medicines as normal unless we tell you otherwise. Never stop prescribed aspirin or a blood thinner without our advice.
- Tell us at pre-assessment if you take the combined pill or HRT, use weight-loss or diabetes injections (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro), or take any blood thinner.
- Cut down on alcohol; none for at least 48 hours before.
- Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and stay overnight (general anaesthetic or sedation).
- Follow the fasting times on your admission letter.
Medicines
Most people keep taking their usual tablets; we confirm the details at pre-assessment. Only over-the-counter painkillers and supplements are stopped routinely. Prescribed medicines — including prescribed aspirin or any blood thinner — continue as normal unless your surgeon or prescriber specifically tells you otherwise; this is confirmed at your pre-operative assessment.
More on the detailed preparation pageThe Pill, HRT and Weight-Loss Injections
These are worth a specific conversation at pre-assessment. There is no single rule; we help you decide.
More on the detailed preparation pageSmoking and Alcohol
The single best thing you can do for healing is to stop nicotine early: all smoking, vaping and nicotine for at least 4 weeks before and at least 4 weeks after surgery. Cut down on alcohol in the weeks before, with none for at least 48 hours before.
More on the detailed preparation pageGetting Home and Your First Night
After a general anaesthetic or sedation, you will need a responsible adult to take you home — a car or taxi is fine, but not public transport — and to stay with you overnight.
More on the detailed preparation pageEating and Drinking
Your admission letter gives your exact fasting times, and it overrides this page. Staying well hydrated up to your cut-off time helps. Eat well, with protein at each meal, in the run-up to surgery.
More on the detailed preparation pageFeeling Anxious
Feeling anxious before surgery is common and normal. Tell us and we can help — from talking things through to practical options discussed at pre-assessment.
More on the detailed preparation pageFlying
After bigger operations, typically wait about 4 weeks for long-haul flights. Flying sooner? Discuss with us first. Procedure-specific timings are on your operation's aftercare page.
More on the detailed preparation pageWhat to Expect
- Clear, personal medication advice at your pre-assessment call
- Simple guidance on smoking, alcohol and eating and drinking
- Who to contact if you are unwell before the day
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I stop my medications?
Stop over-the-counter ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and supplements about 10–14 days before. Keep taking your prescribed medicines as normal unless we tell you otherwise. We confirm exactly which medicines to take, and when, at your pre-assessment call. Never stop prescribed aspirin or a blood thinner without asking us and your prescriber first.
Can I take anything for pain before surgery?
Paracetamol taken as the label says is usually fine. Avoid buying ibuprofen or aspirin in the days before. If you are unsure about any medicine, ask the nursing team.
Can I get a taxi home after surgery?
After a general anaesthetic or sedation, a responsible adult must take you home — a car or taxi is fine, but not public transport — and stay with you overnight. With local anaesthetic only, this may not be needed; check with us.
I'm a smoker — is 3 weeks enough?
We ask for at least 4 weeks before and after. The longer you stop, the better you heal. It is a good moment to stop for good, and we can point you to support.
Next Steps
- Confirm your medicines plan at your pre-assessment call
- Arrange transport and a responsible adult for your first night
- Prepare your home for recovery
- Continue to Surgery Week for final preparations
Continue to the next stage:
Surgery Week