Surgery Day

Can you take an Uber or Lyft home after surgery? Learn why many facilities require a responsible adult, when a rideshare may be an option, and what to ask before surgery day.

Why don’t you know your surgery time yet? Learn why surgery schedules are often finalized close to the procedure, when you may get your arrival time, and what to do if you haven’t heard.

What happens on surgery day? Follow a simple step-by-step guide from arrival to recovery so you can know what to expect.

Find out what to avoid on surgery day to help your procedure go smoothly and as scheduled.

Wondering if you should shower before surgery? Learn when to shower, whether to use antibacterial soap, what products to avoid afterward, and how to prepare safely.

Learn when patients are typically asked to stop eating and drinking before surgery, why fasting matters, and how to follow your surgical team's instructions safely.

What counts as a clear liquid before surgery? Learn which drinks may be allowed, what usually does not count, and why your surgery instructions come first.

Can you drink a protein shake before surgery? Learn why protein shakes usually aren't clear liquids, when to stop, and what to do if you already had one.

Can you drink water before surgery? Learn when plain water is usually allowed, why fasting matters, and what to do if you accidentally drink water before your procedure.

Can you drink coffee before surgery? Learn whether black coffee is allowed, what happens if you accidentally drink it, and how fasting instructions help keep surgery safe.

Can you chew gum before surgery? Learn why most patients should avoid gum after their fasting cutoff, what happens if you accidentally chew gum, and what to do next.

Accidentally ate or drank before surgery? Learn what to do, what information to tell your surgical team, and whether your surgery may need to be delayed.

Can you brush your teeth before surgery? Learn what most surgeons recommend, whether you can use water or mouthwash, and how to safely follow fasting instructions before your procedure.

Can you wear makeup, lotion, nail polish, or jewelry before surgery? Learn what to avoid on surgery day and why these instructions help keep you safe.

Learn what to wear to surgery, including comfortable clothing, footwear recommendations, and practical tips for a smoother surgery day experience.

Wondering what to pack for surgery day? Learn what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to prepare for a smoother surgery experience.

Learn what typically happens after you check in for surgery, including pre-op preparation, meeting your care team, and getting ready for your procedure.

Wondering what happens before surgery starts? Learn what to expect in the pre-op area, including your IV, meeting your surgeon and anesthesiologist, and the final safety checks before surgery.

Wondering why your surgery was delayed? Learn the most common reasons surgeries are delayed, whether you should worry, and what to expect if your procedure doesn't start on time.

Wondering what happens in the operating room? Learn what patients typically experience before surgery begins, how anesthesia is given, and how your surgical team keeps you safe throughout your procedure.

How long does surgery take? Learn what affects surgery length, what counts as a long procedure, and why an operation may take longer than expected.

Why is surgery taking longer than expected? Learn common reasons an operation may run long, what surgery time estimates mean, and when families may receive an update.

Wondering when you'll wake up after surgery? Learn what most patients experience after anesthesia, where you'll wake up, how long it usually takes, and what to expect during recovery.

Learn what happens in the recovery room after surgery, including waking up from anesthesia, pain control, monitoring, nausea treatment, and when you'll be ready to go home.

Learn when you can go home after surgery, what doctors check before discharge, and what to expect when leaving the hospital or surgery center.

Wondering when you can drink after surgery? Learn when patients can usually start drinking fluids, why you may need to wait, what to drink first, and what to do if you feel nauseous.

When can you eat after surgery? Learn when eating typically resumes, why timing varies, and what to expect as you start eating again.

Wondering what to eat after surgery? Learn which foods can support recovery, hydration, and healing, plus practical tips for easing back into eating.

Is it normal to have no appetite after surgery? Learn why appetite can decrease during recovery, what may help, and when to contact your surgical team.