Surgery Prep and Recovery
Learn how to prepare and what to expect before your surgery.
Before Surgery
- Drink eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day.
- Follow your doctor's guidelines on eating food or drinking fluids.
- Refrain from smoking 12 hours prior to lessen the potential for nausea.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages the evening and night before your stay.
- Take a shower or bath.
- Remove polish from fingernails and toenails.
Day Of Surgery
- Brush your teeth the morning of surgery but do not swallow water.
- Take only the medicine prescribed by your doctor with a small sip of water when you get up.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital.
- Do not apply makeup.
- Remove contact lenses, hairpieces and any piercings.
- Leave valuables at home, including money, jewelry, watches and rings.
- Bring a pillow and a blanket for your stay or for the ride home.
- Plan to have a support person to drive you to the hospital.
- Arrive at the hospital 90 minutes before your procedure.
Surgery and Recovery
Visitor Waiting Area
We offer complimentary coffee weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drinks and light snacks are accessible in our canteen for waiting guests. We ask that you limit food to crackers, pretzels and other snacks that lack a strong aroma.
There are courtesy phones and computers for your use to keep family and friends updated. Please help keep our waiting area calm and quiet by speaking softly.
Pre-Op Area
One person may accompany the patient to pre-op for initial preparation. Once the patient is ready, two people at a time can be escorted to the pre-op area.
PACU — Post Anesthesia Care Unit
After surgery, the surgeon will visit the surgical lobby/conference room to speak privately with family and/or friends. At this time, the patient will be going to PACU and recovery usually takes from 1.5 to 2 hours. Family and/or friends will be notified when the patient is in outpatient recovery or has been assigned a hospital room.
Outpatient Recovery Area
After a patient has recovered in PACU, he or she will be transferred to outpatient recovery. The volunteer/nurse liaison can then escort family and/or friends to recovery and home care instruction will be provided.
Arriving at the Hospital
Enter through the main entrance and check in at the front desk.
Being admitted after a procedure?
You can leave your suitcase in the car and have it brought to you after you arrive at your room.