How To Prepare For Surgery

Three Days Before Your Procedure

A nurse will call you two to three days prior to your surgery date to review your medical and surgical history. Please have a list of all medications including over the counter medications and vitamins available. If instructed to obtain pre-op testing (lab work, chest x-ray, EKG), have this done at least three days prior to your surgery date. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours after surgery. Please read over the discharge instructions provided by your surgeon. We will also review these with you on the day of your procedure.

24 Hours Before Your Procedure

The nurses will call you the afternoon before your surgery date to provide you with your arrival time. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight except blood pressure medications as instructed by the nurse (pediatric patients will have special instructions provided by the nurse). Notify your surgeon if there is any change in your condition (cold, fever, respiratory problems). Please bathe/shower in antibacterial soap the night before your procedure. Please call ahead for complimentary foreign language and hearing impaired interpreter only if needed.

Day of Your Procedure

Do not take any diabetic medication. We will check your blood sugar upon arrival. Please bring any original paperwork provided by your surgeon to the surgery center as well as your photo identification, insurance card, and method of payment. Wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably a button down shirt and slip on shoes (no high heels); socks and underwear should be 100 percent cotton. Do not wear make-up and make sure nail polish is removed. Do not use lotions, creams, or aftershave and avoid the use of perfume. Do not shave your surgical site. Leave all valuables, including jewelry, at home. Wear eye glasses instead of contact lenses. Take off all body piercings. For children, please bring stuffed animal or security blanket. Please make every effort to arrive to the surgery center for your scheduled arrival time.

After Your Procedure

Physicians will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise, and post-operative medications. We will be calling you 24–72 hours after surgery to ask how your recovery is progressing. For unexpected problems, call your doctor or proceed to the nearest emergency room.