Preparing for general anesthesia means giving the anesthesia team accurate information and following individualized instructions. Patients should not apply fixed internet rules to fasting, prescription medication, anticoagulants or GLP-1 drugs. The plan depends on health, symptoms, procedure and hospital protocol.
What the anesthesiologist needs to know
- Medical conditions, allergies and previous anesthesia experiences
- Sleep apnea, snoring, reflux, airway or dental concerns
- Prescription drugs, hormones, anticoagulants, supplements and recreational substances
- Nicotine, vaping and alcohol use
- GLP-1 medication, dose changes and gastrointestinal symptoms
- Personal or family history of unusual anesthesia reactions
Incomplete disclosure can make an apparently routine plan unsafe. Additional testing, specialist evaluation, staging or postponement may be recommended when risk is not adequately controlled.
Fasting instructions are individualized
Fasting reduces aspiration risk while protective airway reflexes are suppressed. The permitted timing for solids, milk-containing drinks and clear liquids is determined by the anesthesia service and hospital. “Nothing after midnight” is not a universal rule, and eating or drinking outside the written instructions may delay or cancel surgery.
Do not stop medication independently
| Medication group | Why specific instructions matter |
|---|---|
| Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs | Stopping can increase thrombosis; continuing can increase bleeding |
| Blood-pressure and cardiac medication | Some are continued while others require adjustment |
| Diabetes and GLP-1 medication | Glucose control, gastric emptying and symptoms affect planning |
| Supplements and herbal products | May affect bleeding, sedation or cardiovascular response |
Bring a current medication list and follow only the instructions issued for your case. Read the broader preoperative safety checklist.
The day of surgery
Follow instructions about bathing, cosmetics, jewelry, contact lenses and clothing. Report any new fever, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, medication change or fasting error before arrival. A responsible adult and postoperative support must be arranged; driving and independent travel are not appropriate after general anesthesia.
How monitoring supports safety
At Hospital São José, a dedicated anesthesiologist monitors oxygenation, ventilation, heart rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, anesthetic effect, neuromuscular function when relevant, fluids and blood loss. Belvivere may use total intravenous anesthesia according to the case. Monitoring reduces risk but cannot guarantee an uncomplicated course.
Possible effects and warning signs
Nausea, sore throat, chills, dizziness and fatigue can occur. Less common complications include aspiration, airway or dental injury, allergic reaction, cardiovascular or respiratory events, awareness, thrombosis and neurological complications. After discharge, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent assessment.
International-patient planning
Remote review begins preparation but does not replace the in-person evaluation. Patients generally arrive in Criciúma before surgery and, after major facial procedures, commonly remain at least 15 days in Brazil. The concierge team coordinates accommodation and transport; the medical team determines discharge and flight clearance.
For further context, compare anesthesia options for facial surgery.
Key point
Safe preparation is not about following the longest list of restrictions. It is about following the correct instructions for the patient, procedure and anesthesia plan.
