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What to Wear/Bring
Clothing
Please wear comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing jeans and other tight fitting clothing. Following some surgical procedures, you may have a cast or brace. If so, you will need to bring clothes that will fit over these items.
Children scheduled for surgery should bring comfortable clothing such as pajamas or a gown to wear home. They may also bring a favorite personal item such as a blanket or toy.
Valuables/Jewelry
Please leave your money and valuables including jewelry, at home or with a family member. All jewelry must be removed before surgery, including body piercings.
Personal Items
- Dentures are generally removed just before your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will make this decision.
- Glasses and contacts must be removed before surgery. Please leave them with a family member.
- Wear minimal make-up, especially the eye area.
Medication
If you take medication daily, we need to know the name of each medication, the amount you take and how often. Make a list of these medications and bring it with you. This includes any over-the-counter medication and herbal supplements.
Herbal Medication
Patients taking herbs may be at risk for herb-anesthesia interactions. Please let your doctor and nurse know if you are taking any herbs. STOP TAKING ALL HERBS ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SURGERY.
Examples of herbs:
- Ephedra (Ma-Huang; Ephedrine)
- Gingko Biloba
- Ginseng
- St. John's Wort
- Weight loss pills (Prescribed and non-prescribed)
- "Energy" pills
Blood Pressure Medication
Please take your blood pressure medication as ordered and bring it with you to the hospital. It may be taken with a small sip of water the day of your surgery.
Insulin for Diabetes
If you take insulin, consult the doctor managing your diabetes. The doctor may want to adjust your medication on the day of surgery. Please bring the insulin with you to the hospital.
Asthma Medication
Please bring your inhaler with you. Be sure to inform the assessment nurse, who contacts you prior to surgery, about any of the above conditions and medications when reviewing your health history.
Diet
Please follow the instructions provided by your physician in reference to the intake of solids, formulas, breast milk and clear liquids. This information will also be reviewed during your pre-admission testing visit.
Do not eat or drink anything—not even water or chewing gum—after midnight the night before your surgery. This is sometimes referred to as "NPO" on the doctor’s instruction sheet. Eating or drinking prior to surgery can cause you to vomit stomach contents into your lungs, which can lead to pneumonia, lung damage or death. Not following this rule may result in your surgery being canceled or delayed.
Illness
If you develop flu-like symptoms (such as a fever greater than 101ºF), a persistent and/or congestive cough, or any other symptoms that you are concerned about, please notify your physician prior to coming to the hospital.
Similarly, if you have recently been exposed to a contagious disease such as measles, mumps or chicken pox within the past three weeks, please notify your physician and pre-admission testing nurse.
Advance Directives
Information regarding Advance Directives can be obtained by calling the Patient Referral Department at 765.474.6963.