More patients than ever are walking into surgery while taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. These drugs have undoubtedly transformed diabetes and weight management, but they've also brought new concerns and challenges into the pre-op process, especially around delayed gastric emptying. For ASCs, that delay can mean anesthesia complications, case cancellations, or even hospital transfers.

I've worked with more than one surgery center that was surprised to learn a patient had continued a weekly GLP-1 injection right up until the procedure. The team had followed fasting guidelines, but the patient still had residual stomach contents. The case had to be postponed, the OR schedule was disrupted, and the day became more complicated than it needed to be.

Situations like this are preventable when communication happens early and clearly. But that's often easier said than done. Patients don't always realize their medication is relevant to surgery prep, and pre-op phone calls or printed packets don't always reach them in time. Hard-copy instructions from referring providers can easily be misplaced or forgotten. More centers are finding that a simple, well-timed text message can close this communication gap and help prevent potentially serious complications.

Reaching GLP-1 Patients Where They Are

Most patients respond more quickly to a text than a voicemail. Texting meets them where they already are — on their phones — and allows for quick, two-way exchanges that fit naturally into their day. A brief message can surface key information before it turns into a last-minute problem.

Consider this example text message exchange:

ASC: "Hi [First Name], this is [Center Name]. Are you taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or another GLP-1 medication for diabetes or weight loss?"
Patient: "Yes."
ASC: "Thanks for letting us know. Please stop injectable GLP-1 medications 7 days before your procedure. Oral versions should be stopped 24 hours before. Respond to this message or call us at [number] with any questions."

That short exchange can prevent an anesthesia risk or a same-day cancellation.

If the patient replies "No," the center can simply confirm they're cleared to continue as planned. The goal of this two-way text is to identify who's at risk early enough to provide guidance that keeps the procedure and the day on track. If a patient doesn't respond in a timely manner, the ASC then knows to send a follow-up message or make a quick phone call, with enough lead time to ensure the patient can comply with safety requirements and stay on schedule.

Getting Ahead of Last-Minute Surprises

Every ASC has felt the ripple effect of a same-day cancellation: lost OR time, idle staff, and frustrated patients. Texting a week or more before surgery gives a center time to catch potential issues while adjustments can still be made.

Centers I've worked with have seen fewer disruptions after adding these types of pre-op messages to their communication workflows. Patients arrive better prepared, anesthesia teams are informed, and the day runs more predictably. It's a small operational shift with a noticeable payoff in safety and efficiency.

Patients also tend to appreciate the reminder. A message that's short, specific, and personal conveys attentiveness. When someone replies "Got it, thank you," they're acknowledging that the information was both received and understood — two essentials for patient safety.

Beyond safety, these timely exchanges ultimately reduce frustration for everyone involved. Patients avoid the anxiety of last-minute cancellations or confusing medication instructions. Staff gain confidence knowing they have reached patients early and clearly. And physicians can focus on care rather than delays or unexpected reschedules. Everyone's day runs a little smoother when communication is clear and predictable.

This kind of proactive, education-focused communication also supports what OAS CAHPS measures: how clearly instructions were explained, how well patients understood what to do before their procedure, and their overall confidence in the care experience. Consistent, timely outreach through text messaging can strengthen both outcomes and patient perception.

Making the Message Clear

GLP-1 dosing schedules vary widely. Some patients take weekly injections, others take daily oral tablets, and it's safe to say that most aren't sure how that affects their surgery prep. A short reminder can reinforce exactly what's needed:

ASC: "Just a reminder: Your procedure is next Thursday and you take a weekly GLP-1, so your last dose should be this Thursday. Please confirm that you will be pausing your medication or let us know if you would like to speak with one of our nurses. We're here to help."

Simple, direct guidance like this can prevent confusion without adding extra phone calls or paperwork. Automation makes it easy to send messages consistently while keeping staff workloads manageable.

Adapting to a New Pre-Op Reality

GLP-1 medications have introduced a new layer of complexity into pre-op care, but ASCs are well-positioned to adapt. Text messaging isn't a new concept. It's just being applied in a new way — one that helps identify potential risks early and keeps surgery schedules running smoothly.

As GLP-1 use continues to grow, early and consistent communication will only become more important. A quick exchange about a week before surgery can make the difference between a safe, on-time procedure and a day filled with cancellations.

Managing this new reality may require updated protocols, but pairing those changes with timely, two-way communication helps ensure patients understand and follow the guidance that keeps them safe.

Brandon Daniell is co-founder of Dialog Health, a provider of a HIPAA-compliant, conversational two-way texting platform to organizations which they can leverage as a communication and engagement channel.