Surgery

Do:

• Identify a family member or friend to pick you up from your surgery or procedure and be with you for the next 24 hours. You cannot drive yourself home. You may not take a taxi home without an adult to accompany you.
• Prepare your designated driver to be available to pick you up within 30 minutes of your care team notifying you that it’s almost time for you to go home.
• Notify your surgeon if you are taking Coumadin (warfarin). Your surgeon will tell you when to stop taking it (usually three to five days before surgery).
• Call your doctor if signs and symptoms of an infection or cold develop prior to your appointment.
• Check with your surgeon to determine if any specific antiseptic showering or bowel preparation will be required. 
• Check with your surgeon if you feel you need pain medication.

Do Not:

• Take aspirin or aspirin-containing products one week before surgery. If you are on aspirin, Plavix, Aggrenox or any other blood thinner, follow the pre-surgical instructions that your doctor provides. If you receive conflicting instructions, please contact your surgeon's office.
• Take herbal supplements, including vitamin E and Fish Oil, one week before surgery.
• Take anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Daypro, Aleve, Naprosyn or naproxen) for five days prior to surgery, or as instructed by your surgeon.
• Shave the operative site for 48 hours before surgery.
• Smoke because it inhibits the healing process.

Do:

• Call the facility where you will have your surgery or procedure. Please have a list of all medications available when you call.
• Call your surgeon if signs and symptoms of an infection or cold develop prior to your appointment.
• Shower both the night before and the morning of your surgery or procedure.
• Call to determine your required arrival time.

Do Not:

• Eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery or procedure.

Do:

• Remove and leave at home all piercings and replace with plastic holders.
• Remove and leave at home all jewelry, including wedding bands.
• Shower the morning of your surgery or procedure.
• Brush your teeth. 

You should continue to take with a sip of water or use as directed:

• Eye drops for glaucoma
• Beta-blocker, blood pressure and cholesterol medications
• Medicines or inhalers for asthma or emphysema
• Medicines for hiatal hernia, gastric reflux or GERD
• Any anticonvulsants or chronic pain medications 

Remember to bring with you:

• A family member or friend to drive you home
• A completed Outpatient Medication List
• A picture ID of yourself
• Any eye drops for glaucoma
• Any medicines or inhalers for asthma or emphysema

Do Not:

• Bring any valuables with you
• Have any candy, cough drops, breath mints or chewing gum on the day of surgery
• Take a bath
• Wear any deodorant, powder, hairspray, lotion or make-up

Do Not Take:

• Any vitamins, minerals, potassium supplements, calcium supplements or over-the-counter medicines
• Take oral diabetes medications (glipizide, glyburide, metformin, rosiglitazone, Actos, Glucotrol, Avandia, Glucophage, etc.)

• Do not drive for 24 hours.
• Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medications.