Anesthesia FAQ

Preoperative Reminders

Preparing for Surgery

Can I eat or drink before my anesthesia?

As a general rule, you should not eat anything after midnight before your surgery. If you smoke, please refrain.

Will I need someone to take me home?

Yes, you must make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home after your anesthetic. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home. It is usually suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours.

Should I take my usual medicines?

Some medications should be taken and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your anesthesiologist during the pre-operative phone call. Do not interrupt medications unless your anesthesiologist or surgeon recommends it.

What should I wear?

Wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to put on and will fit over bulky bandages or surgical dressings. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home, but please feel free to bring a pair of socks.

Other things to consider

Fasting: Do not chew any kind of gum, candy, or mints. Nothing to eat or drink anything after midnight.

Alcohol, Smoking and Other Drug Use: Do not drink any alcohol or use drugs for 24 hours before your procedure. Do not smoke or vape.

Inhaler: If you use any inhalers, be sure to bring them with you the day of your procedure.

Lists to Know or Bring with You:

  • Allergies to food, latex, the environment, or medications
  • Medications taken daily, the dose and how often it is taken. This includes prescriptions, any vitamins, herbal supplements, diet supplements, or other over the counter medications you may be taking
  • Previous surgeries or procedures
  • General health history

Pre-Anesthesia Interview: A pre-anesthesia interview is a time to share your health history and questions with the anesthesia provider and talk about any possible risks to you before you receive anesthesia. It is important for your safety that you are honest and provide complete and accurate information so you and the anesthesia provider can develop the anesthesia care plan that is the safest and most effective for you.

During the interview, the following information is discussed:

  • Health history
  • Cultural and/or religious beliefs
  • Allergies to foods, latex, the environment, or medications
  • Prescription or over the counter medications, including herbal supplements, medical marijuana, and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder
  • Be honest and open about:
    • Smoking, including cigarettes, marijuana, other drugs, and vaping
    • Use of recreational drugs or abuse of prescribed medication
    • Any substance use disorder history so that the anesthesia and aftercare plan can support recovery efforts
  • Any reactions to anesthesia in prior surgeries
  • Information about your insulin or pain pump
  • An exam of your mouth, teeth, tongue, throat, heart, and lungs
  • Review of lab test results, in addition to any tests that may be ordered as needed the day of your procedure

During the Surgery

A board certified anesthesiologist monitors you continuously from the time you enter the operating suite until you are stable and awake in the recovery room. The anesthesiologist will apply the appropriate monitors and give you medications to put you asleep and keep you asleep during your entire procedure. The anesthesiologist will adjust your medications as needed during the procedure and keep all your vital signs stable throughout the surgery.

What Happens While I’m Asleep?

An anesthesiologist will be with you during your surgery. They’ll give you medicine to keep you asleep for the whole procedure. They’ll also keep track of your vital signs like heart rate, body temperature, breathing, and blood pressure.

How Long Will Anesthesia Keep Me Out?

The length of time you are unconscious depends on how long your surgery lasts. Once it’s done, you’ll stop getting the anesthesia. You’ll wake up in a recovery room.

Post-operative Care

After your procedure, you will wake up quickly and be transported to the recovery room. In the recovery room our RN will continue to monitor your vital signs and treat side effects or discomfort you might experience.

Side effects are uncommon but might include :

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shivering
  • Sleepiness

Will I Remember Anything?

General anesthesia isn’t like being asleep. You won’t have dreams that you can remember. You shouldn’t remember anything — including the procedure.

When Will the Anesthesia Wear Off?

After your surgery, you’ll go to a recovery room to wake up. Nurses will monitor your heart rate, breathing, and other vital signs for about 30 minutes. As you come out of the anesthesia, you might feel groggy and confused. The drugs’ effects can take a few hours to fully wear off.

Will There Be Side Effects From the Anesthesia?

You may have some side effects, but most are minor and temporary. It depends on which type of anesthesia you get.

Side effects from general anesthesia include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Confusion
  • Chills
  • Sleepiness

When Can I Go Home After Anesthesia?

How long you stay in the doctor’s office depends on the type of procedure you had. Our patients typically go home 20 – 30 minutes after procedure.

What Should I Watch Out for Afterward?

Patient will go home day of surgery. You’ll probably notice some mild side effects until the anesthesia fully wears off:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

You might also have side effects from the surgery itself. Try to take it easy for at least a day after your procedure.


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