Preparing for Your Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Important Pre-Surgery Instructions
Your surgeon's office will provide specific instructions for your procedure. The information on this page provides general guidelines. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions if they differ from these guidelines.
Surgery Preparation Timeline
2-4 Weeks Before Surgery
- Complete pre-admission testing
- Review medications with your surgeon
- Arrange transportation and home care
- Stop smoking if applicable
1 Week Before Surgery
- Confirm surgery time and arrival
- Complete any remaining lab work
- Begin pre-operative diet if required
- Review post-op instructions
1 Day Before Surgery
- Follow fasting instructions
- Shower with antibacterial soap
- Get a good night's sleep
- Confirm ride arrangements
Day of Surgery
- Arrive at scheduled time
- Bring insurance cards and ID
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Leave valuables at home
What to Bring
Please Bring
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- List of current medications
- Advance directives (if applicable)
- Glasses case (remove contacts)
- CPAP machine (if you use one)
- Comfortable clothes to wear home
Do Not Bring
- Jewelry and valuables
- Large amounts of money
- Credit cards (except one)
- Medications (unless instructed)
- Electronic devices
- Makeup and nail polish
Pre-Admission Testing
Pre-admission testing ensures you're ready for surgery and helps us provide the safest care possible. Your surgeon will order specific tests based on your procedure and medical history.
Common Tests Include:
- • Blood work (CBC, metabolic panel)
- • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- • Chest X-ray
- • Urinalysis
- • COVID-19 testing
- • Additional imaging if needed
Testing Location:
Methodist Hospital for SurgeryPre-Admission Testing
17101 Dallas Parkway
Addison, TX 75001
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone: (214) 708-6000
Day of Surgery
Arrival & Check-In
- • Arrive at your scheduled time (typically 2 hours before surgery)
- • Check in at the main admissions desk
- • Complete any remaining paperwork
- • Family members can wait in the surgical waiting area
Pre-Operative Preparation
- • Change into hospital gown
- • IV line placement
- • Meet with anesthesiologist
- • Final questions with surgical team
- • Family can visit before surgery
After Surgery
- • Recovery room monitoring (1-2 hours)
- • Transfer to patient room or discharge area
- • Post-operative instructions review
- • Prescription and follow-up information
- • Discharge when criteria are met
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our pre-surgery coordinators are here to help answer your questions and ensure you're prepared.
Emergency? If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately.