Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but you’re not just a passive patient: you’re a key partner in your care. Bringing an advocate, like a trusted friend or family member, to your appointments can help ensure you’re heard, understood and supported throughout the process. This checklist (based on information from the Veteran’s Administration, but applicable to non-veterans as well) emphasizes your right to ask questions:
Before Surgery
✅ Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure, its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
✅ Tell your care team about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take.
✅ Ask which medicines you should stop before surgery (especially blood thinners).
✅ Share your medical history, including allergies and past reactions to anesthesia.
✅ Arrange for a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate, someone who can ask questions and take notes.
✅ Plan ahead for your recovery at home (equipment such as crutches, walker, or shower chair if needed).
✅ Follow all pre-surgery instructions about eating, drinking, and bathing.
✅ Pack essentials for your hospital stay (ID, insurance card, medication list, and comfortable clothes).
? Day of Surgery
✅ Verify your identity bracelet—make sure your name, date of birth, and the planned procedure are correct.
✅ Confirm the surgical site and procedure with your care team before anesthesia.
✅ Ensure everyone on your care team knows your allergies and medical conditions.
✅ Keep your advocate informed about your progress and location in the hospital.
✅ Speak up if something doesn’t seem right or you don’t understand an instruction.
? After Surgery
✅ Review discharge instructions carefully with your care team before leaving the hospital.
✅ Understand how to care for your incision or wound and what signs of infection to watch for.
✅ Know which medications to take, when, and for how long.
✅ Ask when you can resume normal activities such as driving, exercise, work, etc.
✅ Know whom to call for help or follow-up questions.
⚠️ Call your provider if you have fever, redness, swelling, severe pain, or unusual drainage.
✅ Keep all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.