Diet

There are some restrictions on what you can eat or drink the night before and the day of your operation. It is important that you follow these instructions. Otherwise your operation may be postponed.

• Your surgeon may give you a bowel cleansing regimen that you should complete prior to your surgery
• You may have a light supper, preferably without heavy fat content, on the evening before your operation.
• Do not eat any solid food or chew gum after midnight prior to your surgery.
• You may drink CLEAR FLUIDS up to two hours prior to the time that your surgery is scheduled. These include water, clear apple juice, carbonated beverages, and coffee or tea without milk. (Some patients, such as those with esophageal reflux, will need longer periods of time without food or drink prior to surgery related to their medical condition(s).)
• Parents of very young children should speak with the surgeon/proceduralist or anesthesiologist for instructions on the timing of feedings.
• Do not take any recreational drugs 24 hours before your surgery. Smoking is also discouraged.

Medications

• Unless your surgeon/proceduralist or anesthesiologist has specified otherwise, you may take your normal evening medication(s) with small sips of water. Special instructions about your medication(s) may also be given to you by your surgeon or by the anesthesiologist. In particular, drugs that prevent blood clotting (blood thinners, such as Coumadin, warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs, and some herbal supplements) and diabetic medications will require special instructions. (Call us or your surgeon if you have questions.)
• For your convenience, make sure you fill any prescriptions for pain medication which your surgeon may have given you before you come to the hospital. That way, you will have everything you may need available when you return home.

Personal Hygiene

• You should have a complete bath or shower, and shampoo your hair the night before, or the morning before you come to the Hospital for your surgery.
• It is best to remove all cosmetics before surgery. You will also be required to remove eye glasses, contact lenses, hearing aides, dentures, or partial plates before surgery. Be prepared to do this, and bring the appropriate containers for these articles if you wish to bring them for use before and after your surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the Hospital.

Escort & Home Care

• If you are an ambulatory surgery patient (going home the same day as surgery), you must have a responsible adult to accompany you home. You will be required to identify this person prior to surgery or the surgery will be postponed. The Hospital can help you arrange a medical transport service home at your expense.
• If you will require Home Care services when you leave the hospital, please advise your doctor in advance.