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 a responsible adult will take you home (a car or taxi is fine, but not public transport)
- 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.)
- Comfortable clothing that's easy to put on
Day Before Surgery:
- Follow fasting instructions exactly as provided
- Remove make-up, and make sure one set of nails (fingers or toes) is free from gel, polish or any other covering
- Get a good night's sleep
- Set multiple alarms for surgery day
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 stated in your letter
- Follow YOUR specific instructions exactly
What NOT to Bring:
- Jewellery (including piercings)
- Contact lenses (bring glasses)
- Valuables
- Large amounts of cash
What TO Bring:
- Any medicines you have been asked to bring, in their original packaging
- 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 with a front-opening top
- Gynaecomastia patients: no need to bring a compression vest, it is included and provided by the hospital
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)
- Practise 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
- Your transport arrangements fall through
Day of Surgery Reminder:
- Arrive at the time given in your admission letter
- Check in at main reception
- Bring any medicines you have been asked to bring, 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 (a responsible adult to take you home and stay overnight after general anaesthetic or sedation)
- Prepare home with easy meals and comfort items
- Follow the fasting times on your admission letter
- Come without make-up, with one set of nails (fingers or toes) free from gel, polish or any other covering
- Get a good night's sleep
- Set multiple alarms for surgery day
What to Expect
- Your admission letter, sent after your pre-assessment, gives your arrival time, fasting instructions and aftercare information
- We do not routinely phone in the days before surgery, so keep your admission letter to hand
- If you have any last-minute questions, contact us: we are happy to help
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 stated in your letter. 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. After general anaesthetic or sedation you MUST have a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you overnight - we will need to reschedule if this cannot be arranged.
Who can be my responsible adult?
Any adult family member or friend who can take you home and stay with you overnight. A car or taxi is fine for the journey, but not public transport, and a taxi driver cannot be your responsible adult. They must be someone who can monitor you and get help if needed.
Next Steps
- Stop the over-the-counter painkillers and supplements listed in your letter
- Confirm your responsible adult and transport
- Follow the fasting instructions in your admission letter exactly
- Pack what to bring (you do not need photo ID)
Continue to the next stage:
Surgery Day