Be Involved in Your Surgery
Be Involved in Your SurgeryIt’s normal to feel worried or even a little scared about having surgery. Know that your health care team is experienced and trained to do all they can to take good care of you.There’s lots you can do, too, to help you stay safe. Follow this checklist for tips on what to do before and after surgery.Do: Speak up. Talk with your health care team about any questions or concerns you have.Do: Tell your doctors all the medicines and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners, including aspirin. Ask if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery.Do: Bring your photo ID and any other paperwork that your hospital may have asked for.Do: Read the informed consent form and ask questions before signing it if something is unclear. Informed consent means that you've told what your options are before you agree to any treatment. This form helps you understand all of your options and the risks, benefits, and expected results of your surgery.Do: Know when to contact your doctor after your surgery, such as when you may have an infection.DO: Be sure you have an adult friend or family member who will drive you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine make it unsafe for you to drive after your surgery.Do: Follow your doctor's directions for preparing, including when or if you should stop eating and drinking.Do: Follow your doctor’s directions on bathing before surgery. You may be instructed to use a special cleanser to reduce the risk of getting an infection.Do Not: Do Not shave the surgical site yourself. Let the "trained professionals" do that, if it's needed.Do Not: Forget to follow your doctor’s directions about medicines after the surgery.Do Not: Do anything that requires attention to detail until you recover. This includes going to work or school, making important decisions, and signing any legal documents. It takes time for the medicine effects to completely wear off.Do Not: Get your bandage or surgery site wet for as long as your doctor says.Do Not: Forget to go to your follow-up visit.Follow this checklist to prepare for your surgery. If these things are forgotten or done wrong, your surgery may get canceled or rescheduled. You are the most important person on your health care team. When you work together, you can get your best and safest health care.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.©2026 WebMD Ignite
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