What not to do the night before surgery?

Prepping for surgery: What to Avoid the night before

Getting ready for a medical procedure can feel a bit overwhelming, but following your pre-op instructions carefully is key to keeping you safe and ensuring your recovery goes smoothly. One of the most important parts of preparation happens the night before you head into the hospital.

Fasting and Fluid Rules

When it comes to eating and drinking, timing is everything. Generally, you will need to stop consuming any heavy meals or non-water beverages after midnight. However, doctors often allow you to stay hydrated with plain water until a few hours before your procedure—usually up until 5 am. Always double-check your specific hospital's guidelines, as exact cutoff times can vary depending on your anesthesia schedule.

Substances to Strictly Avoid

It is critical to completely avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to surgery. Alcohol can interfere with anesthesia medications and affect your body's blood pressure and clotting ability. Similarly, you must not use any recreational or illegal drugs—including marijuana and cocaine, during the 24 hours leading up to your operation. Anesthesiologists need to know your exact physiological state to keep you safe, and these substances can interact dangerously with surgical medications.

If you have any questions or accidentally consumed something you shouldn't have, reach out to your surgical team right away. They are there to help make sure your procedure is as safe and successful as possible.