Please follow these steps carefully prior to your surgery to help ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Note: Do not take any medications containing aspirin, vitamin E, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, herbs, weight loss products or recreational drugs for at least seven (7) days prior to the procedure and the day following your procedure. If you have taken any of these, please inform your physician/surgeon as soon as possible.
After Midnight the day of your surgery:
- Do not smoke after midnight the day of your surgery.
Adult Nothing by Mouth Guidelines: (13 years of age or older)
If you are having your procedure from 6am to noon:
- Do not eat solid food after midnight the night before the procedure
- You may have clear juice (not orange juice), coffee without milk, or tea up to 2 hours before the procedure
- NO Gum, Mints, Candy, or Tobacco products
If you are having procedure after 12 noon:
- Do not eat solid food up to 8 hours before the procedure
- You may have clear juice (not orange juice), coffee without milk, or tea up to 2 hours before the procedure
- NO Gum, Mints, Candy, or Tobacco products
Morning of Surgery
- Take a bath or shower and brush your teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of surgery because this will minimize the chance of infection.
- Remove all makeup, jewelry, and contacts. If you must wear contacts, please bring your storage case for use during surgery.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate a bandage, cast, or other type of dressing where the procedure is being performed. Keep in mind that our center is always kept at a cooler temperature. During surgery, you will wear a patient gown provided by the center.
What to bring with you on the day of your surgery
- Bring all insurance cards. It is important for us to have all the current and correct information.
- Bring a government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Minors do not need ID but the primary insured party does need theirs.
- Bring your form of payment, if required.
- Bring a copy of your consent forms and an Advanced Directive if you have one. Your signature will be required in accordance with your particular procedure.
- If you have asthma or emphysema, bring inhalers with you.
- If you are having knee, ankle or foot surgery, you may require crutches. If you have crutches at home please bring them with you.
- Bring diapers and a change of clothes for pediatric patients.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the center, receive discharge instructions, drive you home and stay with you for the first night following surgery. Please note that in the case you are utilizing public transportation, i.e. Medicaid provided transportation, you will need a responsible adult to travel with you or accompany you while you are in our care. The driver of such transportation WILL NOT be accepted as your responsible adult.
- Limit the number of people who accompany you to the center. We suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person.
- We do welcome both parents of pediatric patients. Parents of children absolutely cannot leave while their child (minor) is at the facility; they must remain in the waiting area. It would be better if siblings did not visit due to lack of entertainment at the center. If your child does not drink from a cup, please bring a bottle or sippy cup. It is fine for your child to have something to drink after the procedure.
What not to bring to the surgery center
- Leave all jewelry, wigs, cash and valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for their safety.
Please call us
If we have not contacted you two days prior to surgery to review your medical history, pre-operative instructions, and financial arrangements, please call us at (281) 274-6670 and ask to speak to the pre-op nurse. If you have any other questions about getting ready for your procedure, please feel free to call us.
Pediatric Patients
If you would like to bring your child in for a tour before their procedure, please contact us at (281) 274-6670 to set up a time. Frequently, this will help ease anxiety that you and your child may feel. Also, feel free to bring a favorite toy or blanket for your child to help them feel more comfortable.
Pediatric Nothing by Mouth Guidelines: (12 years or younger)
- Clear liquids – up to 2 hours prior to your procedure
- Breast Milk – Up to 4 hours prior to your procedure
- Formula, milk – Up to 6 hours prior to your procedure
- Solids – Up to 8 hours prior to your procedure
Your child will most likely have an IV in place when he/she wakes up from his/her procedure. It will be removed after they are awake and taking fluids without nausea.