Preparing For Your Surgery

Before Surgery:

• A nurse will call you the day before surgery to review your medical history and surgical instructions as well as answer any questions you may have prior to the surgery day. Lab work and or an EKG may be required for surgery.
• You will need to have a responsible adult to be discharged to. It is recommended that you have someone to stay with you for 24 hours.
• IMPORTANT: Do not EAT or DRINK anything after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by a Providence Surgery Center nurse. This includes chewing tobacco, water, coffee, gum, and hard candy. Your procedure will be cancelled if these instructions are not followed.
• If you take any medications for weight loss or diabetes that are categorized as GLP-1 Agonists, please let the physician’s office know. You will have specific instructions on stopping these medications prior to surgery. Common GLP-1 Agonists include:
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Exenatide (Bydureon bcise) (Byetta)
  • Semaglutide (Ozempic) (Rybelsus)
  • Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
  • Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
  • Wegovy
  • Mounjaro
  • Zepbound
• Please arrive one hour before your surgery time unless instructed otherwise.
• Bring casual, loose clothing to wear home. Many people find jogging clothes and slip-on shoes are most comfortable.
• Please do not wear makeup, perfume, cologne or fingernail polish.
• Discuss with your physiciqan your advanced directive if you have one.
• Please call your surgeon immediately if you have become ill or are otherwise unable to keep your appointment.

 Day of Surgery:

• Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
• Take medications as instructed. You may take all morning medications with a small sip of water, unless it lowers your blood sugar or thins your blood.
• Leave valuables and all jewelry at home.
• Bring current insurance cards and a photo ID.
• Bring Co-pay, Co-insurance and or Deductible as applicable.
• Bring Advanced Directives or Living Will with you.
• An IV will be placed so medications can be given before, during, and after surgery.
• The anesthesiologist will discuss your health history, anesthesia options and risks.

After Surgery:

• You will be taken to the recovery room after your surgery, where you will be monitored and, when awake, offered something to drink and eat. Family will be allowed to visit when the nurse has finished transitioning you from surgery. Recovery time will vary with individuals. Due to space limitations, we ask that you bring no more than two family memebers/friends with you on your day of surgery.
• The nurse will review specific instructions given by your physician with you and the responsible adult who is to accompany you at home, you will then be escorted to the car.

At Home:

• The anesthesia will make you groggy and cause impaired judgement, therefore, do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, make any important decisions, or sign legal papers for at least 24 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours and/or while taking pain medications.
• Take pain medicine as directed.
• Eat light foods for the first few hours after surgery, then increase your diet as tolerated.
• Drink as much fluid as you can tolerate, 8 glasses/day is a good goal.
• A small amount of blood on your dressing may be expected. If it becomes soaked, place additional dressings over the one already there and call your doctor.
• Call your physician for a fever over 101, increased swelling, redness, or drainage or any other concerns. The number to call is listed on your discharge instructions.