Everything to know and prepare before your surgery — from your preoperative checklist to what happens on the day itself.
Good preparation can make surgery and recovery easier. Use this guide to understand what should be completed before your procedure.
Looking for a more detailed explanation of why we recommend each step? See our full guide: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery.
Some patients require evaluation by their primary care physician, cardiologist, or another specialist before surgery. This step helps confirm that any existing medical conditions are well-controlled and that surgery can proceed as safely as possible.
Clearance requirements are not the same for every patient — they depend on your individual health history and the procedure planned.
Blood-thinning medications include aspirin, Plavix® (clopidogrel), Coumadin® (warfarin), Eliquis® (apixaban), Xarelto® (rivaroxaban), Pradaxa® (dabigatran), and similar medications.
Do not stop your blood thinner on your own. The timing of when these medications should be stopped depends on the specific medication, why you take it, your medical history, and your anesthesia plan.
Our office will coordinate with your prescribing physician or cardiologist when needed and provide individualized instructions before surgery.
If you have not received medication instructions one week before surgery, please contact our office.
Common anti-inflammatory medications include ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), meloxicam (Mobic®), diclofenac (Voltaren®), and celecoxib (Celebrex®).
Many anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and kidney complications. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions regarding when to stop these medications.
Do not take additional over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications unless approved by your surgeon.
Good blood sugar control before surgery helps reduce the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and other complications.
Many diabetes medications require adjustment before surgery because you will be fasting. Some medications are held the morning of surgery, while others need to be stopped several days beforehand.
If you take insulin, oral diabetes medications, or SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as Jardiance®, Farxiga®, Invokana®, or Steglatro®), our team will provide specific instructions before surgery.
Please bring an updated list of all diabetes medications to your preoperative appointment.
GLP-1 medications include Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Trulicity®, Victoza®, and similar medications.
These medications slow stomach emptying and may increase the risk of complications during anesthesia.
Per our current surgical policy, all GLP-1 medications should be stopped at least one week before surgery unless otherwise instructed by your surgical or anesthesia team.
Please notify our office if you are taking one of these medications so we can confirm your surgical plan.
Many medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases affect the immune system and may increase the risk of infection after joint replacement.
Common medications include:
Many of these medications need to be temporarily stopped before surgery, but the timing varies depending on the medication and dosing schedule.
Do not stop these medications on your own. Our office will coordinate with your rheumatologist or prescribing physician to determine the safest plan before surgery.
Please tell us about all vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter products you take, even if they are not prescribed.
Many supplements can increase bleeding risk or interact with anesthesia. Common supplements that may need to be stopped before surgery include:
Unless specifically prescribed by your physician, many herbal supplements should be stopped approximately one week before surgery.
If you take prednisone or another steroid medication on a regular basis, do not stop it without speaking to your physician.
Stopping long-term steroids suddenly can be dangerous. Our surgical and anesthesia teams will determine whether any medication adjustments are needed before surgery.
Most routine prescription medications should be continued before surgery, but there are important exceptions.
Medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, seizures, thyroid disorders, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and other medical conditions may require special instructions.
Our preoperative team will review your medication list and provide individualized guidance regarding which medications to take and which to temporarily hold before surgery.
Please bring a complete, up-to-date medication list to all preoperative appointments.
Active dental infections or urgent dental problems should be addressed before elective joint replacement, since untreated infection anywhere in the body can increase surgical risk.
Not every patient requires routine dental clearance before surgery — whether this applies to you depends on your individual dental and medical history. If you have a known dental concern, let your surgical team know before your procedure.
Depending on your procedure, your team may recommend some of the following equipment. Not every patient needs every item — your surgical team will let you know what applies to your recovery.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace instructions from your surgeon or healthcare team. Individual recommendations may vary based on your procedure, health, and recovery. Contact your surgical team with questions about your specific care.
Knowing what to expect on the day of your procedure can help ease anxiety. Here is a general sequence of what typically happens — your experience may vary depending on your procedure and the surgical facility.
You will check in at the facility at your scheduled arrival time. Arrival time is typically well before your actual procedure time to allow for preparation. Bring your photo ID, insurance information, and current medication list.
You will change into a hospital gown, and the team will confirm your medical history, medications, and the planned procedure. An IV line is typically placed at this time. Eating and drinking instructions before surgery will be provided in advance — follow them closely.
The anesthesia team will review your health history and discuss your options, which may include spinal or general anesthesia depending on your procedure and preferences. This is a good time to ask questions about pain and nausea control.
Dr. Kee and the surgical team will confirm the procedure and answer any final questions. Family members are typically able to remain in the waiting area and receive updates during the procedure, depending on facility policy.
Surgical time varies by procedure.
After surgery, you will be monitored closely as anesthesia wears off. The team will manage pain and nausea and check your vital signs regularly during this early recovery period.
Many patients begin working with physical therapy the same day, focusing on safe movement and the use of any assistive devices before discharge is considered.
Whether you go home the same day or stay overnight depends on your procedure, medical condition, mobility, pain control, and overall safety — this decision is made together with your care team, not on a fixed schedule.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace instructions from your surgeon or healthcare team. Individual recommendations may vary based on your procedure, health, and recovery. Contact your surgical team with questions about your specific care.