Shoulder surgery day bag checklist

For an adult having same-day shoulder surgery. Pick clothing that can go on without lifting or twisting the operated arm.

What to get

  • Photo ID

  • Insurance card

  • Surgery appointment confirmation

  • Surgeon’s preoperative instructions

  • Medication list

  • Medication allergy list

  • Approved surgery-day medicines

  • Phone

  • Phone charger

  • Eyeglasses case

  • Hearing aid case if used

  • Front-closing shirt

  • Loose elastic-waist pants

  • Slip-on shoes

  • Shoulder sling if instructed by the surgeon

  • Small pillow for the car ride home

  • Responsible adult driver details

Who this list is for

This checklist is for adults scheduled for outpatient shoulder surgery. It’s especially useful if you want to avoid unnecessary movement or discomfort before and after your procedure. If your surgeon or surgery center gave you extra directions, follow those first.

How to use this list

Begin by reviewing your surgeon’s preoperative instructions. Lay out your bag the day before surgery. Pack your photo ID, insurance card, and surgery appointment confirmation first. Add your medication list, medication allergy list, and any approved surgery-day medicines. Bring your phone and charger. If you use eyeglasses or hearing aids, include their cases. Choose a front-closing shirt, loose elastic-waist pants, and slip-on shoes—these are easier to put on without moving your operated arm. Check off each item as you add it to your bag.

Skip pullover shirts, tight pants, or shoes with laces—you want to avoid bending or lifting your arm. Leave jewelry, valuables, and extra electronics at home. Don’t bring unapproved medications. Double-check that you have all required documents to prevent delays at check-in.

What is on this list

You’ll find essentials like photo ID, insurance card, surgery appointment confirmation, surgeon’s preoperative instructions, medication list, medication allergy list, approved surgery-day medicines, phone, phone charger, eyeglasses case, hearing aid case if used, front-closing shirt, loose elastic-waist pants, and slip-on shoes. Cross off anything you already have or don’t need for your surgery.

Day-of reminders

Follow all fasting and medication instructions from your surgeon. Dress in your front-closing shirt and slip-on shoes before leaving home. Arrive early with your packed bag and paperwork. After surgery, use your phone to arrange a ride if needed. Once home, keep your medication and paperwork in a spot that’s easy to reach with one hand.

FAQ

Who is "Shoulder surgery day bag checklist" for?

This checklist is for adults scheduled for outpatient shoulder surgery. It’s especially useful if you want to avoid unnecessary movement or discomfort before and after your procedure. If your surgeon or surgery center gave you extra directions, follow those first.

How should I use "Shoulder surgery day bag checklist"?

Begin by reviewing your surgeon’s preoperative instructions. Lay out your bag the day before surgery. Pack your photo ID, insurance card, and surgery appointment confirmation first. Add your medication list, medication allergy list, and any approved surgery-day medicines. Bring your phone and charger. If you use eyeglasses or hearing aids, include their cas…

What should I skip or avoid with "Shoulder surgery day bag checklist"?

Skip pullover shirts, tight pants, or shoes with laces—you want to avoid bending or lifting your arm. Leave jewelry, valuables, and extra electronics at home. Don’t bring unapproved medications. Double-check that you have all required documents to prevent delays at check-in.

What is on the "Shoulder surgery day bag checklist" list?

You’ll find essentials like photo ID, insurance card, surgery appointment confirmation, surgeon’s preoperative instructions, medication list, medication allergy list, approved surgery-day medicines, phone, phone charger, eyeglasses case, hearing aid case if used, front-closing shirt, loose elastic-waist pants, and slip-on shoes. Cross off anything you alrea…

What should I check on the day of?

Follow all fasting and medication instructions from your surgeon. Dress in your front-closing shirt and slip-on shoes before leaving home. Arrive early with your packed bag and paperwork. After surgery, use your phone to arrange a ride if needed. Once home, keep your medication and paperwork in a spot that’s easy to reach with one hand.

Related lists

For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.

Shoulder surgery day bag checklist · Valedo