How To Prepare For Surgery

What to expect

Prior to surgery, various tests and X−rays may be required, which will be ordered by your physician.

Surgical patients will be contacted two days prior to surgery to review preoperative instructions, medical history, insurance coverage, and confirm the arrival time. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, you will receive a call on Friday. If you have not been contacted by one of our nurses one day prior to surgery, please call (909) 370-2190.

Medications: On the day of surgery, if your physician has advised you to take any medication, please do so with as little water as possible. If you are diabetic, you will receive instructions, but please bring in your Diabetic medications on the day of the procedure. Stop taking all aspirin and anti-inflammatory products (e.g., Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, etc.) at least 7 days before your surgery. Tylenol is an acceptable alternative. Stop taking all herbal remedies, weight loss medication and high doses of Vitamin E at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. If you use an inhaler, remember to bring with you.

Personal Care & Hygiene

Eat a light dinner the evening before your surgery.
We recommend that you wear your hair loosely.
Please bring reading glasses with you (if you require them).
If you have documented or diagnosed sleep apnea please let someone know at the Center that you have sleep apnea, if you use a C-pap machine bring it with you.
You may bathe or shower and brush your teeth before coming to the center. Remember; try not to swallow any water.

DO NOT

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Do not smoke, eat or drink any beverages (including water) after midnight prior to your surgery.
Do not apply body lotion.
Do not use clips, pins, and bands that bind hair.
Do not use hair spray.
Do not wear a wig or hairpiece. Head coverings are provided.
You cannot wear dentures, hearing aids, contact lenses or glasses during your procedure. If you use any of these items, please bring their cases with your for proper storage.

Clothing & Valuables: Please wear clothing that is comfortable and easily folded. If you are having surgery above the waist, do not wear pullover tops. Wear shoes that have low heels. Remove jewelry and body piercings. Please be sure to bring your photo id, insurance cards and form of payment for registration. We recommend leaving all other valuables at home.

In case of illness: If you develop a cold, persistent cough, sore throat, fever or any other illness within 2 days of surgery, please notify your physician.

Visitors: Visitors will be able to wait in our lobby area during your procedure. Please limit your visitors to two people. Your physicians will inform your visitors once the procedure is completed.

Anesthesia Services: We offer a complete range of anesthesia services. You will have an opportunity to meet with your anesthesia provider prior to surgery to have all of your questions answered and to participate in developing your plan of care.

In the operating room: You are the most important person in the operating room. Your comfort and safety is our priority. If you have questions or concerns, please ask your nurse. When you arrive in the operating room, the lights may seem bright and the temperature cool. Warm blankets are available.

After your Surgery: Recovery time is highly individualized. Following your surgery, your Anesthesia Provider will determine your length of time in the recovery room. Your nurse will let you know when you are medically ready to leave the Center and will review your discharge instructions and medications with you. We will give you a copy of all the information reviewed.

Going Home: If you have been administered anesthesia, you must make arrangements to have another person drive you home. We reserve the right to cancel your surgery if you do not have someone to take you home. It is also important that you have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery, just in case you need any assistance. Should you have any questions about your discharge instructions or recovery, please call your doctor.