Getting Ready for Surgery

Notify your insurance company to pre-authorize your surgery.
You will need to have a physical examination with your doctor within 30 days of surgery.
Tell your doctor about any medications that you take.
If taking a blood thinner you will need to stop taking it as directed.
Notify your surgeon if you have questions about your surgery.
Complete required tests that may include blood work, urine test, or EKG.
Do not eat or drink for the specified amount of time before surgery. This includes water.
Arrange to have an adult give you a ride home after surgery.

Day of Surgery

Do not wear make-up or nail polish.
Artificial nails must to be removed if you are having surgery on your hand or arm.
Jewelry and body piercings will be removed prior to surgery.
Contacts will need to be removed before surgery. Please bring a case and solution.
Arrive at the hospital at the time you are given.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
You will be asked to sign consents for surgery.
The surgeon and anesthetist will visit with you before surgery.
An IV will be started before surgery.
You will be asked to mark your surgery site with a surgical marker.
You will be asked to go to the bathroom before going to surgery.

A surgery staff member will bring you to the surgery suite.
On arrival, the nurse will check your name band, confirm what type of surgery you are having and verify the surgical site.
Your surgery team will be dressed in gowns, masks, hair coverings gloves, etc.
You will lie on a narrow bed. A strap will keep you in place.
The surgery suite will feel cool and you will be covered with warm blankets when you arrive.
Monitors will be placed.
Special socks may be applied to your lower legs to prevent blood clots.

The surgeon will visit with your family after surgery.
You will go to the recovery room until your condition is stable.
You will be asked to take deep breaths to keep lungs clear and move your legs to keep your blood flowing.
When you return to your hospital room, your diet will depend on the type of surgery you have had.

You will be dismissed from the hospital with instructions regarding your incision(s), dressings / bandages, diet, bathing and how to manage discomfort and pain.
You will be given a return appointment to see your surgeon.
Your surgeon will let you know when you may return to work.

Be sure to bring:

Insurance information
List of medications and supplements
Case for eyeglasses, contact lenses or dentures
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletries, robe and slippers (If you are staying overnight)

Note: Please leave valuables at home.