The Day Before Surgery

• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, suck on mints or smoke after midnight the night before your surgery. Any exceptions to this will be explained by the Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) staff. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery for safety reasons.
• Stop taking herbals, dietary supplements and diet control medications 2 weeks before surgery or as soon as surgery is scheduled (whichever comes sooner).
• Ask your surgeon about stopping blood thinners (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), Plavix, Persantine, coumadin/warfarin, etc). Your prescribing physician should be notified.
• If you develop a rash, fever, or cold before surgery, call your doctor.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital the day of surgery. If you live alone, arrange for someone to stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. Without such arrangements, your surgery will be cancelled.
• Do not shave the surgery site two days prior to surgery. Applies to male and female patients.

• Take all blood pressure, heart and breathing medications on the day of surgery with a sip of water. Do not take diuretics (water pills) or diabetes medications unless specifically instructed otherwise.
• Bring inhalers and CPAP machines if needed. (Diabetics, check your blood sugar prior to arrival)
• Please leave all valuables (jewelry, cash, etc.) at home including wedding rings. The hospital is not responsible for lost items.
• Please bring copies of your living will/medical power of attorney with you to the hospital. If you do not have one, notify the registration staff when you are admitted.
• Please bring your insurance cards or forms with you to the hospital.
• If you have been measured for protective devices like crutches, neck or back braces, please bring them with you to the hospital.
• Wear loose fitting clothing. Wear button or zipped tops for breast, arm, or shoulder surgery.
• Please remember that some time is required to prepare for your surgery. You will be asked to arrive 2-3 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.