If you’re planning to have surgery, you’ll want to spend some time preparing.

That means taking care of your health, learning as much as you can about the procedure and getting to know the people who will be taking care of you.

Planning ahead can help ensure you have a successful procedure and heal faster with a smooth recovery.

Start with answering these questions:

• Are your physicians qualified?

Ask your physicians about their experience performing the specific procedure you are having to make sure they are qualified with the appropriate medical education and training.

• Is the facility licensed and accredited, and are emergency procedures in place?

If you are having surgery outside of a hospital — at an outpatient facility or your doctor’s office — be sure it’s licensed.

Also make sure the facility has medications, equipment and procedures in place to handle emergencies, especially if there is no emergency facility nearby.

• Who will provide the anesthesia?

Be sure your anesthesia care is led by a physician anesthesiologist.

He/she will meet with you before surgery, closely monitor your anesthesia and vital functions during the procedure and take care of you after to assure your recovery is smooth and your pain is controlled.

• Am I as healthy as I can be?

Spend the time before the procedure being as active as you can, eating right and getting good sleep.

If you smoke, stop as soon as possible — even if it’s just a day or two before surgery — because smoking can cause problems with breathing and recovery from anesthesia and surgery.

Other steps you take will be guided by your meetings with the medical team.

Sometime before the day of your surgery, you should meet with your physician anesthesiologist so he or she can gather information that will help determine the right anesthesia care plan for you.

Go to the meeting prepared to discuss your medical history, your health habits and your past experiences with surgery and anesthesia.

Be sure to discuss these things in detail: 

• Your health habits and medications.
  • Tell your physician anesthesiologist all about your health, such as how physically active you are and if you have chronic health issues, such as asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, allergies or any other medical conditions.
  • Be sure to mention if you snore or have other sleep problems; these may be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which can make surgery and anesthesia more dangerous.
  • Provide a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements and vitamins you take.
  • Your physician anesthesiologist might tell you to stop taking some of them.
  • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs. The use of recreational drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, narcotics and stimulants should be discussed. These substances can affect how you react to anesthesia and the type and amount you’ll need.
  • Your experience with anesthesia. Tell the physician anesthesiologist if you or a family member has had a bad reaction to anesthesia or pain medication, and make them aware of any anesthesia side effects you’ve experienced — even if they occurred years ago.
  • Also mention if you’ve ever had a stroke or have experienced heat stroke.
• Your fears.

It’s natural to fear surgery and anesthesia. If you’re afraid, tell your physician anesthesiologist. He or she can give you information to ease your mind and help you feel safe.

• Your questions.

Bring written questions to your meeting. Write down the answers, because it’s difficult to remember everything you hear. Bring a friend or family member who can take notes and ask questions, as well as provide information you may not have thought of.

• Your recovery.

The physician anesthesiologist continues to care for you after surgery, so ask about how any pain will be managed and any concerns you have about recovery, returning home and getting back to your normal routine.

As the day of the procedure arrives, plan to:

• Follow pre-surgery directions and diet.

Unless you’re having only local anesthesia, you may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. This is because of the rare risk of food or liquid in your stomach getting into your lungs while you’re under sedation or general anesthesia.

Ask your physician anesthesiologist for guidance; you may be told you can drink clear liquids and take your regular medications.

• Bring a family member or friend.

You won’t be allowed to drive after outpatient surgery, or even after a few days in the hospital if you’re taking pain medication. Plan to have someone take you home.

• Wear comfortable clothing.

Wear or bring loose-fitting clothing. Your body might be sore or swollen from surgery, or you may have bulky bandages over your incisions. Leave jewelry and valuables at home.