GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Please do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to your arrival for surgery. This includes food, water, coffee, gum, mints, lozenges, etc. If you eat or drink outside these parameters your surgery may be cancelled.

• You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. This person will also need to be present when you register. These are both requirements prior to proceeding with surgery.
  
  
• Bring your insurance cards, photo ID, and a list of your current medications and allergies on the form your surgeon’s office provided (Medication Reconciliation Form). Bring your glasses if you need them for reading and signing papers. Leave all other valuables at home.
  
  
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing; a shirt that is loose around the neck or that buttons, snaps, or zips is best so nothing has to be pulled over your head.
  
  
• Please do not wear eye make-up.
  
  
• If our billing department contacted you regarding out of pocket expenses due for surgery, please bring payment as instructed.

MEDICATIONS:

Please only take medication for your heart, lungs, blood pressure, or pain on the morning of surgery with small sips of water. Do not take any diabetic medication until you are able to eat. If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Upon arrival you will be greeted by the admissions coordinator to complete registration. A nurse will then take you to the pre-op area to be prepared for surgery and review written home care instructions. An anesthesia provider will review your health history and your surgeon will answer any questions. You will be taken to the Operating Room for your surgery accompanied by your surgeon, an anesthesia provider, registered nurse and surgical technicians. After your surgery is completed, you will be transferred to the recovery area where nurses will care for you and assist you with discharge.

DISCHARGE:

Written instructions for home care will be provided for you to follow. A nurse will review the instructions and answer any questions. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure the best possible recovery from your procedure. Once you arrive home, if you have immediate concerns relating to your surgery or develop fever/chills, severe nausea/vomiting, severe pain, or sudden loss of vision, contact your physician immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

If receiving anesthesia, please note it is normal for you to have memory loss regarding your surgery and discharge, feel dizzy and/or sleepy after surgery – DO NOT DRIVE, sign legal documents or stay alone for 24 hours.