Pre-op guide

What to do before, during and after your treatment.

The countdown

Applies to every procedure. Your coordinator sends the same list, dated to your travel day.

  1. 4w

    Four weeks before

    • Send the clinic your medical history, current medication and any recent test results
    • Check your passport validity and, if needed, apply for your visa
    • Book flights only after the clinic confirms your surgery date in writing
    • If you smoke or vape, this is the point to stop: nicotine is the single biggest avoidable risk to healing
  2. 2w

    Two weeks before

    • Stop blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil, but only on your surgeon's written instruction
    • Confirm your hotel, transfers and companion arrangements with your coordinator
    • Arrange time off: add three recovery days to the clinic's minimum stay
    • Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers planned treatment abroad
  3. 48h

    Forty-eight hours before

    • No alcohol
    • Take the pre-op blood tests the clinic asked for, if they were not done at home
    • Pack loose front-opening clothing, your medication list and the clinic's address in the local language
    • Confirm your arrival transfer time with the coordinator
  4. 24h

    The day before and the morning of

    • Follow the fasting instruction exactly, usually nothing to eat or drink from midnight for general anaesthetic
    • Shower with the antiseptic wash if one was provided, and skip creams, make-up and nail polish
    • Leave jewellery, contact lenses and valuables at the hotel
    • Bring your ID, your consent forms and someone who can take you back after discharge

Guides by procedure

Each guide adds the instructions specific to that operation.

Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.

Tell your coordinator immediately if

  • You develop a fever, cough or infection in the week before travel
  • A doctor at home starts or stops any medication
  • You are pregnant, or think you might be
  • Your weight changes significantly before a bariatric procedure
  • You are unsure whether to stop a medication: never guess, ask

Any of these can move your date, and moving a date is always cheaper than cancelling on the day.