Pre & Post Operation
General guidelines to help you prepare for your procedure and ensure a smooth recovery.
Disclaimer: consult with your physician or surgeon for specific guidelines regarding your medication.
Pre-Operation Instructions
Medication Management
Patients should generally continue taking their regular medications with just a sip of water on surgery day. Some medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes medications, may require special instructions before surgery.
Always confirm with your physician or surgeon which medications to continue, adjust, or pause leading up to your procedure.
Fasting Requirements
You should not eat any solid food for at least six hours prior to your surgery and no thick liquids after midnight.
Clear liquids like Gatorade, clear broth, water, or tea without any milk or additives are permitted up to two hours before surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco the day before
- Wear comfortable clothing; leave jewelry at home
- Wedding bands and small earrings permitted
- Arrive prepared to change into a surgical gown
Upon Arrival
Vital signs are monitored and the anesthesiologist provides a final briefing on expectations and comfort needs.
Post-Operation Instructions
Recovery Period
Duration varies based on procedure type. Patients receive food, beverages, and post-operation instructions before discharge. Recovery involves plenty of rest and minimal activity, with follow-up appointments scheduled during recovery.
When to Contact Your Doctor
- •Surgical site becomes painful, discolored, or swollen
- •Persistent bleeding occurs
- •Pain persists despite prescribed pain relievers