ENTRANCE TO AMBULATORY CARE You most likely will be admitted to the hospital the day of your surgery. It is important that you arrive on time and have had nothing to eat or drink since midnight. You will be either an inpatient or an outpatient. Inpatients are usually admitted the day of surgery, and stay in the hospital for some of their recovery. Outpatients also are admitted the day of surgery, but can go home that same day.