Preparing for Surgery/Procedure
Preparing for Surgery
Once you and A/Prof Craig Taylor determine that surgery is appropriate, careful preparation is essential for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Understanding the process and your responsibilities will help minimise risks and support the best possible outcome.
Before Surgery
Before surgery, your doctor will complete a thorough assessment, including a medical history, physical examination, and any required tests. If you are overweight or undergoing bariatric surgery, a Very Low Calorie Diet such as Optifast may be required. Smoking cessation, good nutrition and probiotics are recommended. Promptly report any chest, urinary or skin infections.
Review all medications with your surgeon to determine which should be temporarily stopped or reduced:
Medication Cessation Table
| Medication Group | Examples | When to Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Thinners | Aspirin, Cartia, Plavix, Warfarin, Co-Plavix, Iscover | Stop 1 week prior to surgery |
| Blood Thinners | Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa | Stop 3 days prior to surgery |
| Diabetic Medications – SGLT-2 Inhibitors | Forxiga, Xigduo, Qtern, Jardiance, Jardiamet, Steglatro | Stop 3 days prior, or when commencing Optifast if prescribed |
| Diabetic Medications – All Others | Insulin, Metformin, Gliclazide, Diamicron, Januvia, Trajenta | Continue but halve morning dose on day of surgery |
| Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1) | Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro | Do not stop; have a 24-hour clear-fluid diet the day before surgery |
| Herbal Supplements Increasing Bleeding Risk | Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Feverfew, Fish Oil/Omega-3s, Vitamin E, Kava, Green Tea, St John’s Wort | Stop 2 weeks prior to surgery |
Discharge Planning
Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home, as you cannot drive yourself and hospital policy does not allow discharge via public transport (taxis/Uber are permitted but not preferred). Prepare all postoperative dietary requirements in advance. Although most patients can care for themselves, having someone stay with you for the first two nights is advisable.
You may not drive for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, so organise childcare, shopping, and transport needs ahead of time.
