Preparing For Your Surgery
Knowing about your surgery in advance will help you prepare for your procedure and start you on the right track for beginning your recovery.
Before your operation is scheduled, your doctor will spend time discussing your options with you and addressing any questions or concerns you may have regarding available treatments. Thinking about questions you want to have addressed at this time will help you make the best choice and ease your mind about the treatment you select. Information about your diagnosis is available from your physician and also online.
For detailed information on some of the most common diagnoses and procedures, check out the Patient Education section of our website. Here are some additional tips to assist you in preparing for an operation:
- Arrive on time. Surgeries are planned according to a strict schedule in order to ensure the highest level of care for our patients. Arriving late to a procedure may result in your procedure being rescheduled for another day.
- Be sure to bring everything you need. You will need to bring your medical history information, a friend or family member to drive you home, a list of your current medications, a photo identification card and your medical insurance documents. Please call and confirm with your doctor’s medical assistant if you still have questions.Assembling your necessary documents and arranging your ride in advance is advisable.
- Follow all instructions given by your doctor. Most procedures require you to not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before your surgery. Some procedures require you to stop using blood thinners or other medications for a day or more before your operation. Be sure to follow all instructions your doctor gives you in order for your surgery to proceed smoothly.
- Relax. Our doctors are experts in their fields. When you plan your surgery with one of our physicians, you can rest assured that you’re in excellent hands. We want to provide you with the kind of excellent care we expect for our families.