What restrictions must a person comply with the evening before outpatient surgery?

Restrictions the evening before outpatient surgery:

- Stop eating solids. You will need to stop eating solid foods at least 8 hours before your surgery, typically from midnight the night before your procedure. Clear liquids, such as water, juice, and broth, are usually allowed up to 2 hours before surgery.

- Stop drinking liquids for 2 hours. You may not be able to drink clear liquids closer than 2 hours to your surgery. Some surgeries may even have longer periods of time (such as 6 hours) if special precautions are necessary.

- Avoid alcohol. You cannot have alcoholic drinks the night before surgery. Alcohol can interact with anesthesia and cause complications during surgery.

- Do not smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of complications during and after surgery. Ideally, avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before your surgery.

- Take your medications. Depending on your medications, you may or may not need to stop taking them the morning of surgery. Discuss your medications with your doctor to develop a plan for the day of surgery.

- Shower with antibacterial soap. Your medical team will provide you with specific instructions. Showering with antibacterial soap can help reduce your risk of infection afterward.

- Do not put on lotions or creams. Avoid applying anything but soap to your skin.

- Remove jewelry and makeup. Any metal jewelry will need to be removed, as it can interfere with the surgery and/or medical imaging. It's best to also remove any makeup, as it may come off during the surgery and pose an infection risk.

- Prepare your home for recovery. Prior to your procedure, you should stock your home with what you will need to stay comfortable and safe once you return home after your surgery.

- Get a good night's sleep. To have the best possible experience before and during surgery, it's important to arrive to your procedure feeling well-rested.