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.
• 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 (contact your doctor 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.

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.