Instructions For the Day of Surgery

These are general guidelines. You must discuss these instructions with your physician to insure that they apply to you. Please stop all Pain Medications that can thin your blood at least 7 days before surgery. These include:Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Aspirin, Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), Midol, etc. Pain medications that have Tylenol or Acetaminophen are okay. Stop ALL Herbal Medications at least 10 days prior to day of surgery.

• Start a Clear Liquid Diet 48 hours prior to the day of surgery. Clear liquids include apple and cranberry juice, broth, jello, popsicles, and most sodas. You will need a bowel cleansing (also referred to as a “prep”). You must drink two bottles of Fleets Phosphosoda (over the counter, 45 milliliters each)--one at 2pm and the second bottle at 6pm. Each dose should be followed with six glasses of water or sugar-free liquids.
• Do not drink or eat anything, beginning midnight of the day before the day of surgery.
• Most medicines can be taken the day of surgery, just with small sips of water (however, your doctor will have instructions regarding specific medications).
• Bring your CPAP breathing machine, if you have one, for use in the hospital.
• Arrive early! Some hospitals and surgery centers require patients to arrive two hours early.

Note: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, especially regarding your medications, to prepare you for surgery.

When you arrive, you will undergo a few preparatory steps. You will change out of your clothes and into a hospital gown. You will see your nurses, anesthesiologist, and often you will see your surgeon . An intravenous (“IV”)line will be started to keep you hydrated and to administer medications such as antibiotics. Soon thereafter, you will be taken to the operating room.

Additional Resources for Recovery and Post Op Guidelines: