After weeks of preparing for surgery, the day finally arrives. While your surgical team will guide you through the process, there are a few common mistakes that can delay your procedure, increase stress, or even cause your surgery to be postponed.
The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little planning.
The biggest surgery day mistakes include:
One of the most common reasons surgeries are delayed or canceled is accidentally eating or drinking after your instructed cutoff time.
Even coffee, gum, candy, or a small sip of water may not be allowed depending on your instructions.
If you're unsure about your fasting instructions, it's safest to call your surgical team before eating or drinking anything.
For more information see When Should I Stop Eating and Drinking Before Surgery?
Most patients are asked to arrive one to two hours before their scheduled procedure.
This extra time allows your care team to:
Running late can create unnecessary stress and, in some cases, require your surgery to be rescheduled.
Plan extra travel time and leave earlier than you think you'll need.
Many surgery centers ask patients to remove:
These instructions aren't simply for appearance—they help your care team monitor you safely during surgery and reduce the risk of complications.
If your surgical team gives you instructions that differ from general recommendations, always follow their guidance.
For more information, see Can I Wear Makeup, Lotion, Nail Polish, or Jewelry Before Surgery?
Some medications should be continued before surgery, while others need to be stopped days beforehand.
Taking—or skipping—the wrong medication can affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar, or anesthesia.
If you're unsure what to take, contact your surgeon's office rather than guessing.
Related: Which Medications Should I Stop Before Surgery?
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
Having everything ready ahead of time makes check-in much smoother.
For most outpatient procedures involving anesthesia or sedation, you cannot drive yourself home.
You'll usually need a responsible adult to:
Arrange transportation before surgery day so you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
Leave valuables at home whenever possible, including:
Bring only what you'll actually need for your procedure.
Every surgery is different.
General advice can be helpful, but your surgeon's instructions should always take priority.
If something you've read online conflicts with what your surgical team has told you, follow their instructions or contact them for clarification.
Most surgery day problems are preventable.
Following your preoperative instructions carefully, arriving prepared, and asking questions ahead of time can help your surgery stay on schedule and make the day much less stressful.
Preparing ahead of time allows you to focus on what matters most—getting safely through your procedure and beginning your recovery.
The more you know ahead of time, the more confident you will feel. Get your personalized surgery checklist to help you feel confident before surgery.
Get Your Surgery PlanThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Resources:
Prepare for Surgery
Surgery Preparation Checklist (Free PDF)
Surgery Day Guide
Recovery Roadmap (Free PDF)
© 2026 SurgiNav
Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.