You should ask about your anesthesia plan, your medicines, your risks, and your recovery. Before surgery, your anesthesiologist will want to know your medical history, health habits, past surgery and anesthesia experiences, and all prescription, over-the-counter, supplement, and vitamin use. You can also ask what type of anesthesia is best for you, how you will be monitored, and whether you need any tests before surgery.

Good questions to bring up include:

• What anesthesia options do I have?
• What risks are most important for me?
• What should I do with my regular medicines, supplements, and vitamins?
• When do I stop eating and drinking?
• What should I expect for pain control and recovery after surgery?
• What side effects or past anesthesia problems should I tell you about?
• What should I know about driving, going home, or getting back to normal activities after anesthesia?

It also helps to mention alcohol or recreational drug use, sleep problems like snoring, and any fears you have about surgery or anesthesia. Writing your questions down can help you remember the answers. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.