• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery (this includes water, gum, hard candy, ice chips, cough drops and mints).  It is important that your stomach is empty when you are given anesthesia to reduce the possibility of complications.

• You may brush your teeth but may not swallow anything.

• If you take blood pressure, heart, stomach, seizure or asthma medications, you may take them on the morning of surgery with a very small sip of water (one ounce or less).

• If you are a diabetic and take insulin or oral diabetic medications, you should NOT take these medications the morning of surgery.

• If you take blood-thinner medications (anti-coagulants) or aspirin, check with your physician about whether you can take this medication before your surgery.

• Contact your physician if you are unsure about taking a specific medication prior to surgery.

• Contact your physician’s office immediately if you develop a cold, fever, or other illness before your surgery date.  Your physician will notify us of any changes in your scheduled surgery date.

Day of your surgery

• Please bathe or shower prior to your surgery.  Remove all makeup and leave at least one nail free of polish.  Do not use oils or lotion after bathing.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweatshirt and easy-to- button shirts or blouses big enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery.  Wear comfortable shoes.

• Leave all jewelry at home, including jewelry on any pierced body part.

• Bring all prescription medication and/or herbal supplements from home in labeled containers OR a complete list of these medications with dosage and frequency taken.

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• Bring any paperwork and x-rays your physician has given you.

• Bring a picture ID such as a driver’s license and your insurance card(s). Also bring cash, credit card, check, or money order to pay for co-payments or deductibles required by your insurance.

• If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring a lens case and solution or an eyeglass case with you for their safekeeping.

• A responsible adult must accompany you on the day of your scheduled surgery.  This person MUST remain at the center while your surgery is being performed.  Your physician will meet with him or her after your surgery to answer any questions and explain post-operative instructions. You may not drive yourself home or take a taxi.

• Be prepared to complete admission paperwork and sign a consent form for the surgery. Patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian accompany them to sign the consent form.

• Your family will be asked to wait in the lobby until you are in recovery. The surgeon will speak with your family immediately following surgery.

After your surgery

• Following your surgery you will be moved to our recovery area. After you have been in recovery for a certain time, family members can visit with you until you are discharged. It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy or lightheaded for several hours after your surgery.

• Before you leave the center you will be given written instructions for your care at home.

• After you return home, be sure to follow your physician’s orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity.

• If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your physician.

• A nurse from The Surgery Center of Cullman will call you within a few days after your surgery to check on your medical condition and answer any additional questions you may have.

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