Day Before Your Operation
Stop eating and drinking by midnight on the night before your operation. Your stomach needs to be empty.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 24 hours before your operation.
- You may eat and drink as usual until midnight, avoiding fatty or greasy foods for dinner.
- Remove your nail polish, jewellery and any body piercings.
- Follow all instructions you were given at your pre-admission visit. Make sure you take all medications you were told to with sips of water.
- You must have a shower with soap and water to clean your skin the night before and the morning of your operation to reduce the chance of infection after your operation.
Planning ahead will make it easier to come home and start your recovery. Here are some things you can do ahead of time:
- Make or buy extra meals and freeze them for after your operation.
- Arrange for someone to look after your family and pets while you are in the hospital.
- Arrange for someone to pick you up at the hospital on the day you expect to go home.
- Arrange for help at home during the first few weeks of your recovery.
- You may need help with groceries, cooking, laundry, cleaning and rides to medical appointments.
- Make arrangements for out-of-town family.
Find a list of places to stay near the hospital.
