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Preparing for Surgery

You have discussed your upcoming surgery with your surgeon, Sachin Allahabadi, MD. Below is important information to help you prepare before, during, and after surgery.

  • Primary Care: Most patients will need clearance from their primary care physician.
  • Cardiology: If you have a cardiologist, you will also need a pre-op evaluation.
  • Laboratory Work: Bloodwork and other labs may be ordered as needed.
  • Pediatric Patients: Healthy children with no medical history may not need additional testing until the day of surgery.

From now until at least 3 months after surgery, we recommend:

  • High-protein diet – Supports wound healing.
  • Vitamin D, 2000 IU daily – Improves bone quality (especially important for rotator cuff surgery).
  • Vitamin C, 500 mg twice daily – May help reduce pain after surgery.

  • Any necessary brace, splint, or cast will be applied before you leave the hospital or surgery center.
  • Crutches, if required, will be provided either just before or right after surgery.

  • Postoperative prescriptions are usually sent 1–3 days before surgery.
  • Please pick them up before surgery, but do not take them until after your procedure unless instructed otherwise.
  • Continue your vitamin supplementation as above.
  • Keep your phone on—Dr. Allahabadi may call with additional instructions.

To help reduce infection risk:

  • Apply benzoyl peroxide gel (≥5% concentration) to the entire shoulder and armpit 1–2 times per day for 5 days before surgery (especially for shoulder replacements/arthroplasty). This lowers bacteria (C. acnes) commonly responsible for shoulder infections.
  • Within 24 hours of surgery, use spray deodorant instead of stick deodorant.

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Arrival: Plan to arrive about 2 hours before your scheduled start time.
  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing:
    • Knee surgery → shorts or loose pants
    • Shoulder surgery → button-down shirt
  • What to Avoid: No contact lenses, jewelry, or unnecessary personal items.
  • Time Commitment: Expect to spend most of the day at the hospital/surgery center (pre-op, anesthesia, surgery, recovery, and possibly therapy).
  • Nerve Block: Many patients are offered a nerve block to reduce pain after surgery and minimize opioid use.
  • Operating Room Time: Total time may be 45–60 minutes longer than the actual procedure (due to anesthesia, positioning, sterilization, dressings, etc.).
  • Transportation: You must have a responsible adult to drive you home—rideshare services are not permitted.

  • Dr. Allahabadi will call to check on you. Please keep your phone nearby.

  • Your first follow-up visit should occur 10–14 days after surgery (timing depends on the procedure).
  • If you don’t have this scheduled, please call the office.

  • Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy is essential for recovery.
  • A referral will be provided before or on the day of surgery.
  • Schedule PT according to Dr. Allahabadi’s guidance.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure the smoothest possible recovery.

At a Glance

Sachin Allahabadi, MD

  • Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
  • Expertise in Minimally Invasive Knee & Shoulder Surgeries
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital & Weill Cornell Medical College
  • Learn more
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