The Day of Your Surgery

Following these instructions is very important. If you fail to follow this plan, your surgery may be cancelled.

Back to: Getting Ready for Surgery
Also see: Before Your Surgery
Also see: After Your Surgery

Eating and Drinking

After midnight, do not have any:

• Solid food
• Milk, soy, or creamers
• Chewing gum, breath mints, or lozenges
• Broth or bouillon
• Orange juice or other juice with pulp
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta

Up until 2 hours before check-in, you may have:

• Water
• Clear apple or cranberry juice
• Soda pop
• Gatorade
• Black coffee or tea (no milk, soy, or creamers)

You may brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash, but do not swallow the toothpaste.

Stop drinking 2 hours before check-in.

Medications

Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or a blood thinners. If you take any of these medications, ask your surgeon whether you should stop taking them.

Asthma medications. Use your inhaler on the morning of the surgery.

Prescription medicines, including prescription pain medications. Take these, unless you have been specifically told not to.

On the day of surgery, do not take:

• Diabetic medicine
• Insulin
• Non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines, or calcium supplements

What to Wear and Bring

Wear loose-fitting clothes.

Do not wear:

• Contact lenses. Wear glasses instead.
• Any jewelry (including all body piercings) or other valuables. Leave them at home.

Bring:

• Your presurgery packet
• Crutches, braces, or walkers if needed
• Something to pass the time (for example, a book, puzzle, or knitting)
• A small amount of money for copayment or fees

Anesthesia Evaluation

You will talk with an anesthesiologist the day of your surgery to discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive. Your complete medical record will be reviewed ahead of time by a member of the Anesthesia Department.