What to Expect
Timing
Please plan to arrive at the Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time. This allows us enough time to take care of necessary tasks such as registration, preparation, anesthesia, etc.
Food
On the evening before your surgery, we recommend eating a light dinner and increasing your fluid intake. Please note that it is important that you have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your scheduled surgery date. This includes no chewing tobacco, gum, mints, and hard candies. We also recommend that you do not smoke or consume alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery.
Hygiene and Dress
We recommend that you follow these hygiene and dress recommendations listed below:
- Bathe or shower the night before surgery using Hibiclens as well as follow all instructions provided by our staff.
- On the day of surgery, do not wear nail polish, makeup, jewelry, body piercings, and watches.
- Come to the center wearing comfortable, loose clothing that is appropriate for the procedure being performed. Please also bring walking shoes.
- Leave all valuables at home.
- If you wear dentures or glasses, please bring a case to place them in during surgery.
Transportation
Before your scheduled surgery, please make arrangements to have a responsible adult drive you home as well as stay with you the first night following your procedure.
Medications
You will need to discontinue any use of diet/herbal medications 14 days prior to surgery as well as stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and Naprosyn 7 days before surgery, unless otherwise instructed. It is okay to use Tylenol (acetaminophen). Prescription blood thinning medication will need to be discussed with your care team.
Items to Bring on the Day of Surgery
The following are some of the items we recommend that you bring with you on the day of your procedure:
- Water bottle
- Pillows for the ride home
- Crutches, cane, or walker
- Post-op shoe, boot, or sling
- CPAP
- Advanced directives/living will
What to Expect After Surgery
After surgery, you:
- Will not be able to drive or operate machinery
- Can advance your diet as long as you tolerate it; however, if you have nausea or vomiting, stop eating/drinking and start over with clear liquids
- May experience constipation if you are taking a narcotic pain medication
- Will need to have a responsible caregiver with you after surgery to listen to your discharge instructions