Preparing for Your Surgery
This guide walks you through what to do before, on, and after the day of your procedure with Dr. Reza Jazayeri. Please read it fully and keep it handy. If anything is unclear or you feel something is missing, call our office so we can help.
Any specific instructions you receive from your surgical facility and anesthesia team always take priority over the general guidance below.
Scheduling & Questions
Text to schedule
Call, Monday to Friday, 8 to 5
Office
DOCS Health, 8436 W 3rd St #800, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Cancel or reschedule
Please tell us as early as possible, ideally at least 2 weeks before surgery, as a courtesy to Dr. Jazayeri and other patients.
Your surgery will take place at a surgical facility. Our office will give you the location, your arrival time, and check in details before your surgery date. If you have not received them a few days before, please call us.
Discuss Nutrition Before Surgery
Tell your care team about unintended weight loss, poor appetite, dietary restrictions, and supplements. Ask whether nutritional screening or a registered dietitian would help you prepare. Dr. Jazayeri coauthored a 2026 review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery; our patient nutrition guide explains the findings and their limits.
Nutrition guidance does not override fasting instructions. Carbohydrate drinks are used only in selected surgical protocols. Confirm the permitted drink, amount, and cutoff time with your anesthesia team before using one.
1
Before Surgery
In the days leading up to your procedure
- Build your medication list. Write down every prescription medication, over the counter medication, vitamin, and supplement you take, with doses. Bring this list on the day of surgery.
- Confirm what to stop and continue. Dr. Jazayeri or the anesthesia team will tell you which medications to hold before surgery, such as blood thinners or certain supplements. Follow those instructions exactly.
- Arrange your ride and support. Plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Do not eat after midnight the night before surgery. This includes gum, mints, and candy. You may brush your teeth.
Not following this may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled. - Watch for your facility details. Our office will confirm your arrival time, the facility location, and check in details before your surgery date.
2
Day of Surgery
What to eat, what to bring, how to prepare
- Do not smoke, eat, or drink, except small sips of water to take approved medications. Approved medications usually include those for high blood pressure (not water pills), heart, lung, seizure, and Parkinson’s conditions, plus eye drops and inhalers. Bring your inhaler if you use one.
- Confirm your drinking and fasting instructions. Use a preoperative clear or carbohydrate-containing drink only if your surgical facility or anesthesia team specifically instructs you to do so. Follow their exact drink, volume, and timing instructions. If directions are unclear or conflict, contact the team before eating or drinking.
- Do not take your diabetes medications unless you are specifically told to.
- Bring these items: photo identification, your insurance card, your medication list, and any payment or copay for surgery and prescriptions.
- Skip makeup, jewelry, and scents. Do not wear makeup, including mascara, jewelry, or body piercings. Do not use perfume, lotion, deodorant, powder, or hair products, which can increase fire risk in the operating room. Do not wear contact lenses; bring glasses and a case instead.
- Dress simply. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to get on and off.
- Leave valuables at home. Do not bring cash, credit cards, or jewelry. The facility cannot take responsibility for lost personal items.
3
After Surgery
Recovery and getting home safely
- Recovery room. After surgery you will spend at least an hour in the recovery area. Dr. Jazayeri or a member of the team will usually update your family. Visitors are generally not allowed into recovery.
- You cannot drive yourself home. A responsible adult must accompany you. If you take a taxi or rideshare, another adult must ride with you.
- Have support at home. A responsible person should stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- If an overnight stay is needed, and your surgeon decides it is, the facility will arrange it and direct your family to your room.
Most orthopedic procedures are same day (outpatient). If an overnight stay is expected, Dr. Jazayeri’s office will let you know in advance so you can pack a small bag with toiletries and bring any assist devices you use, such as crutches or a walker.
Start Your Recovery Before Surgery
To help you achieve the best possible outcome, Dr. Jazayeri recommends starting prehabilitation before your procedure. This step is crucial for building strength, improving mobility, and reducing post-op complications. Begin your personalized pre-op program today through myHealthTrack—an easy-to-follow guide designed to prepare your body and mind for surgery.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
