Eating & Drinking Guidelines

DO NOT EAT SOLID FOODS OR DRINK ANYTHING after midnight the night before surgery.  This includes chewing gum, candy, and mints.

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Medications

Please notify the staff of all current:

• Medications (prescription and non-prescription)

• Herbal Supplements

• Weight Control Medications

• If you normally take medications check with your surgeon to see if you should take them the night before or the morning of the surgery.

• Also, please inform your surgeon if you are taking:

• Blood thinners (Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix, Lovenox, etc…)

• Aspirin, Ecotrin

• NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Advil, Mortin, Aleve, etc…)

 

If you still smoke, it is recommended that you refrain from smoking the day of surgery.

 

Due to the medications used for anesthesia, you must:

• Not Drink alcoholic beverages that day

• Not make any important decisions

• Not drive or operate machinery that day

• Have a responsible adult accompany you  home from surgery

• Arrange for Child Care if you have small children, so you can rest when you arrive home

 

The Morning of Surgery

• Make Sure you arrive on time, 2 hours before surgery.  This is due to the time needed to prepare you for surgery

• Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to surgery.  You will find this helpful when returning home.

• Wear flat shoes

• Leave jewelry and other valuables at home

• If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them prior to surgery so please bring a contact case along or wear glasses instead

• Bring your Insurance Card with you

• Please be aware that although we have estimated a start time for your operation, delays may occur due to emergencies or difficulties with a prior operation.  We thank you in advance for your patience should this occur

 

Post- Operative

• You will receive written instructions from the hospital about what to expect after surgery as well as specific instructions for your care after the operation

• Following your stay in the recovery room and when your vital signs are stable you will be discharged to your escort

• Remember, it is normal to feel a little dizzy or drowsy for several hours after surgery.  This is due to the action the medicine used during surgery

• If you do not have a post operative appointment scheduled, please call the office as soon as possible in order to schedule this appointment

 

Post-Surgery Diet:

Your surgeon will tell you about specific diet restrictions if necessary. 

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