Be Prepared for Your Procedure Several Days Ahead

Have you followed the preoperative instructions exactly as outlined by your provider?
Examples might be:

• • Have you stopped taking any blood-thinning medications, if instructed?
  • Have you had laboratory (blood) tests, if instructed to do so?
  • Have you adhered to dietary restrictions (and begun bowel prep if ordered)?
  • Nursing staff will attempt to contact you the business day before your procedure.  A message will be left on your voicemail ONLY if the patient is identified by name in the outgoing message.
  • Notify your physician if you have health changes between your last visit and the day of surgery, such as a cold, fever, flu, etc.

What to Bring to the Hospital With You

• • List of medications you take (prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements)
  • List of known allergies
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Your CPAP machine, if you use one for sleep apnea
  • An adult that can drive you home
  • Identification and insurance cards

The Morning of the Procedure

• • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.  Patients who take blood pressure, heart or breathing medications may do so with a small sip of water early that morning.
  • Leave valuables such as jewelry at home.
  • Brush your teeth.  Avoid gum, hard candy, and chewing tobacco due to the increased risk of nausea and vomiting.
  • Bathe the morning of the procedure.  If you shampoo your hair, make sure it is dry and do not apply any hair product (that could be flammable).
  • If you are having an eye procedure, please do not wear makeup.
  • Wear clean clothing.
  • Check in at the registration desk and present photo identification and insurance cards.  You will receive an identification band and will then be directed to the surgical waiting area.
  • Females with childbearing capabilities will be asked to supply a urine specimen.
  • Patients will be asked to sign a surgical consent form.  Minors must have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form before surgery can be performed.  The responsible individual must stay in the surgical area before, during, and after the procedure in the event of an emergency.

Following Surgery

• • Do not drive, sign important papers or make critical decisions for at least 24 hours.
  • Do not operative machinery, power tools, etc. for at least 24 hours.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 23 hours.
  • Your surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication.  In the event of any difficulties or complications, call your surgeon immediately.