Before Your Surgery

Before your surgery, an assessment nurse will contact you with specific instructions. In general, you can expect the following:

• Do not eat or drink anything after MIDNIGHT the night before surgery including gum, mints, water, ice chips, etc. Failure to follow instructions can result in cancellation of your surgery.
• If you feel sick anytime before your surgery or the day of your surgery,  call your surgeon. He or she will tell you what to do.
• On the evening before your surgery, drink plenty of fluids unless instructed otherwise.
• If you have been told to take any medication, take with a small sip of water before coming to surgery center. You may brush your teeth, but DO NOT swallow any water.
• Leave money and wallet/ purse at home. Jewelry must be removed prior to your surgery, so please leave it at home.
• Please remember to bring your insurance card(s), identification, and surgery deposit if requested. 
• Glasses, contacts, dentures and hearing aids will be removed before surgery.
• Do not wear any make-up or mascara. DO NOT use perfume, cologne, lotions, powder, or oil on chest, legs, or face. Light colored nail polish is OK. Deodorant is OK. 
• Have no more than two people accompany you on the day of surgery.

Instructions regarding children:

• Infants and toddlers can not have formula or dairy products after midnight the night before surgery.  
• Children may bring a small blanket or toy with them.
• Tonsillectomy patients may bring DVDs to watch.
• Have no more than two people accompany the patient on the day of surgery. We are unable to accommodate other children/siblings; therefore, we ask that you make prior arrangements.