The Week Before Surgery
Final checklist and reminders for the week leading to your surgery. Ensure everything is in order for the best possible outcome.
Surgery Week
Final checklist and reminders for the week leading to your surgery. Ensure everything is in order for the best possible outcome.
Final Medication & Supplement Check
Should be stopped by now:
- Over-the-counter ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin bought for aches and pains (stopped about 10–14 days before)
- Supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, St John's Wort, garlic, ginkgo and ginseng (a standard multivitamin is usually fine to continue)
- Nicotine products (should be 3-4 weeks nicotine-free)
- Alcohol (stop this week if not already)
Do NOT stop without speaking to us and your prescriber first:
If aspirin (including low-dose ‘baby’ aspirin) or another blood thinner has been prescribed for your heart or circulation, do not stop it on your own. Prescribed medicines continue as normal unless your surgeon or prescriber specifically tells you otherwise — this is confirmed at your pre-assessment. If you take the combined pill, HRT or a weight-loss/diabetes injection (GLP-1, such as Wegovy, Ozempic or Mounjaro), follow the plan agreed at your pre-assessment. See Preparing for Your Surgery for the full guidance.
Continue Taking:
- Your prescribed medicines, unless your surgeon or prescriber has told you otherwise
- Paracetamol, taken as the label says, is fine to continue
Final Preparations Checklist
Health Check:
- Report any illness, infection, cold, or fever immediately
- Notify us of any cuts, wounds, or skin issues near surgery site
- Inform us of any changes to your health or medications
Transport Arrangements:
General Anaesthetic Patients:
- Confirm responsible adult will drive you home (NOT a taxi)
- Confirm this person will stay with you overnight
- Have backup arrangement in case plans change
Local Anaesthetic Patients:
- Arrange taxi or have someone drive you home
- Consider having someone available if needed
What to Prepare at Home:
- Easy-to-prepare meals
- Extra pillows for elevation
- Entertainment (books, movies, etc.)
- Medications for after surgery
- Comfortable clothing that's easy to put on
Day Before Surgery:
- Follow fasting instructions exactly as provided
- Remove nail polish and makeup
- Shower with antibacterial soap if instructed
- Get a good night's sleep
- Set multiple alarms for surgery day
What We'll Do This Week
1-2 Days Before:
- Final confirmation call from our team
- Reminder of arrival time and location
- Opportunity for last-minute questions
- Final fasting instructions reminder
Important Reminders
Fasting Instructions:
- Your admission letter gives your exact times and overrides this page
- Typically, no food, sweets, chewing gum or milk products from midnight
- Keep drinking still water — up to 200ml an hour — until the cut-off time in your letter (often around 06:00), with a final 200ml then
- Follow YOUR specific instructions exactly
What NOT to Bring:
- Jewelry (including piercings)
- Contact lenses (bring glasses)
- Valuables
- Large amounts of cash
What TO Bring:
- Your written quotation or treatment letter
- Your usual medicines in their original packaging
- A list of allergies
- A dressing gown and slippers (we can provide these if needed)
- Glasses or hearing-aid case, phone and charger, and something to read
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (a front-opening top after breast or arm surgery)
- Your post-surgery compression garment (breast and gynaecomastia patients)
Managing Last-Minute Anxiety
Remember:
- Your surgical team performs these procedures regularly
- General anaesthesia is very safe
- You've prepared thoroughly
- Your support system is in place
Relaxation Tips for Night Before:
- Take a warm bath (if permitted)
- Practice deep breathing
- Listen to calming music
- Avoid news and social media
- Go to bed at reasonable time
Final Safety Checks
Contact Us Immediately If:
- You develop any illness or infection
- You accidentally eat or drink during fasting period
- You took medication you shouldn't have
- You have ANY concerns or questions
- Your transport arrangements fall through (especially critical for general anaesthetic patients)
Day of Surgery Reminder:
- Arrive at the time given in your admission letter
- Check in at main reception
- Bring your quotation or treatment letter and your usual medicines in their original packaging
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Leave valuables at home
Contact for Questions
If uncertain about anything, contact us:
Phone: 0131 376 3785
Checklist
- Confirm any over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and supplements are stopped — keep taking prescribed medicines unless we have told you otherwise
- Verify transport arrangements (responsible adult for general anaesthetic)
- Prepare home with easy meals and comfort items
- Follow the fasting times on your admission letter
- Come without make-up and remove gel or acrylic nails from at least one hand
- Get a good night's sleep
- Set multiple alarms for surgery day
What to Expect
- Final confirmation call 1-2 days before surgery
- Reminder of arrival time and location
- Final fasting instructions
- Opportunity for last-minute questions
- Reassurance about the procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get sick this week?
Contact us immediately. Even a minor cold may mean we need to reschedule for your safety. Don't wait until surgery day to tell us.
I'm really anxious - what can I do?
This is completely normal. Contact us to discuss your concerns. Remember that postponing is always an option if you're not ready.
Can I have water the morning of surgery?
Your admission letter gives your exact times and overrides this page. As a typical pattern for a morning list: no food, sweets, chewing gum or milk products from midnight, then keep drinking still water — up to 200ml an hour — until the cut-off time in your letter (often around 06:00), with a final 200ml then. Modern anaesthetic guidance encourages clear fluids until close to theatre, so do keep sipping water up to your cut-off unless your letter says otherwise.
What if my ride cancels?
Contact us immediately. If you're having general anaesthetic, you MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home - we will need to reschedule if this cannot be arranged. Local anaesthetic patients may be able to arrange a taxi.
Who can be my responsible adult?
Any adult family member or friend who can drive you home and stay overnight. This cannot be a taxi or ride-share driver. They must be someone who can monitor you and get help if needed.
Next Steps
- Complete final checklist items
- Get good rest
- Follow fasting instructions exactly
- Arrive on time for surgery
- Trust in your preparation
Continue to the next stage:
Surgery Day