This is really a question of individual preference and tolerance,
there is no unversal best answer.  If your current contact lens for
the eye is set for distance and you are not having any problems, then
it would seem to make sense to have the post surgical refraction set
for distance.

If using a soft lens, you could ask your contact lens fitter for trial
lenses that deliver the various focal lengths you are considering, try
them out and see which you like better.  Then inform your surgeon of
which lens power you liked.

Dr Judy

Keep in mind that calculating IOL power predictions is not an exact
science, so your actual post-surgery vision may be a little different
from your target.  If you have never done monovision, your best bet
might be "blended vision" (i.e, distance vision in dominant eye,
intermediate vision in nondominant eye).  If all goes as planned, you
would only need glasses for prolonged reading or seeing small print.
(I believe that the usual target for intermediate vision is about
-1.25.)  It you go for distance vision in your second eye, you will
need glasses for using the computer and all near vision tasks.  (I
have distance vision in both eyes, and everything within arm's length
is blurry without glasses.)  If you are used to myopia, you'll find
that certain grooming tasks such as shaving (men) and applying makeup
(women) become difficult without a magnifying mirror.

The idea of trying out a contact lens correcting your eye to -1.25
makes sense to me.  You might also check out the eye care community at
med help international, where there are many discussions on this topic
(including recommendations from cataract surgeons).  It's a great
resource.