Before your procedure
Preparing for Surgery
What to do at home and what to bring so your surgery day goes smoothly.
Before your procedure
- If you become ill with fever, a cold, sore throat, or other illness, notify your physician as soon as possible.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight on the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed. You may brush your teeth.
- Do not smoke the day of your procedure — smoking may interfere with anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during recovery.
- Follow your physician or staff instructions about routine medications to avoid your surgery being canceled or delayed.
Plan ahead
- Confirm your arrival time and the location of your surgery before your scheduled date.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID, insurance cards, and a list of the medications you currently take.
- Bring any medications you may need during your stay (for example, an inhaler or insulin).
- Bring any crutches, slings, or braces provided at your pre-op visit.
- Make sure your post-op visit is scheduled for 10–14 days after your surgery.
- If FMLA/short-term disability paperwork is needed, email it to disability@medrecsmanagement.com prior to your surgery/leave.
The morning of surgery
- Shower on the morning of your surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
- Remove all nail polish, makeup, and false eyelashes. Wigs, dentures, contact lenses, and other necessary accessories can be worn until you arrive.
- Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing that will accommodate a bandage, cast, or dressing, and low-heeled shoes.
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. The facility cannot assume responsibility for lost or misplaced valuables.
- For outpatient surgery, arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the facility — medication may make you drowsy for up to 24 hours, so driving is not permitted.