Prepare for your procedure with confidence by following this “Day of Surgery” guide. This section provides practical information and essential details to help you optimize your outcomes.
Nothing to eat or drink after 11 p.m. the night before surgery.
Take two extra-strength acetaminophen tablets (Tylenol) with the Gatorade on the morning of surgery (500 mg each tablet – 2 tablets). Nothing to drink after this.
Tell us if you have any allergies or sensitivities to food or medication.
If you take daily medications, the pre-admission testing nurse will instruct you on which medication you may take the day of surgery and at what time. Stop taking all herbals, supplements, vitamins, and appetite suppressants two weeks before surgery. For GLPs, consult your prescribing physician before stopping.
Bring any inhalers you use with you on the day of surgery.
Please remove nail polish and nail wraps from all fingers and toes before coming to the surgery center. If you get a pedicure, do not use colored nail polish.
Do not apply makeup, mascara, creams, powders, lotions, or aftershave lotion on the day of surgery.
Please remove all metal jewelry, including metal piercings, before coming to the surgery center, and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
Things to Do Leading Up to Surgery
What to Bring with You
Don’t Forget the Essentials!
Insurance Information: Please bring your insurance cards and a picture ID to the surgery center on the day of surgery.
Clothing: We recommend that you wear casual, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that button or zip down the front and are easy to take off and put back on after surgery. Shoes should be supportive, flat, and without laces. Avoid bringing flip flops or Crocs.
Special Equipment: If you have been given a walker, cane, or crutches, remember to bring them with you on the day of surgery. Please make sure you have been properly instructed on the use of any equipment you will be using post-operatively prior to your surgery date.
Prescription Medication: Make sure to fill the prescriptions your surgeon gave you prior to your day of surgery so you can begin using them the day before surgery and once you get home.
Valuables and Personal Belongings: Please leave all valuables and jewelry, including wedding rings, at home. The surgery center cannot assume liability for personal property.
Dentures, glasses, and hearing aids may have to be removed prior to surgery. Please do not wear contact lenses on the day of surgery. Since these personal items can easily be misplaced, please keep them in appropriate cases or containers or give them to the person escorting you. If requested, your nurse can provide special denture cups.
Headphones / AirPods: You may bring your phone with headphones to listen to music to help you relax.
If Illness Develops
If you develop a cold, virus, sore throat, temperature, or other illness during the week before your scheduled surgery, please contact your surgeon immediately. Your surgeon will determine whether your procedure should be rescheduled.
