Preparing for Surgery
- D0 NOT EAT or DRINK anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, hard candy, gum, chewing tobacco, ice, or prescription medications (unless ordered by your doctor).
- ONLY take the medications as instructed by your doctor with a small sip of water either the night before surgery the morning of surgery.
- Bathe or shower the night before and the morning of your surgery to minimize chances of infection.
- Do not smoke after midnight of the night before your surgery.
- Your doctor has ordered and reviewed your laboratory tests in preparation for you surgery. These tests were completed 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Your surgery may be delayed without these required tests.
- If the patient is a child, a parent must remain at the surgery location before, during and after the surgery. The parent must sign release forms for children under 18.
- Guardians of children under 18 must provide written proof of guardianship the day of the surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive a vehicle for 24 hours after your surgery. Please arrange for a responsible person to be with you after the surgery to drive you home.
- Bring your insurance card and driver's license with you to the hospital or outpatient surgery center.
- Arrange for care of your children for 24 hours, as you could feel drowsy for that time.
- Do not wear contact lenses or makeup.
- Bring a complete list of any medications you are taking with dosages. This includes both prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal.