Day Before Your Surgery

The following instructions are very important and MUST be followed. Otherwise it may be necessary to reschedule your surgery!

Surgical Screening

After your doctor schedules your surgery, a Pre-Operative nurse will contact you to interview you regarding your medical history. The nurse will request the names of medications that you take, including herbal remedies. At that time, the nurse will give you instructions about how to prepare for surgery and when to arrive at The Surgery Center.

All Surgeries

*We require that your driver remain in the building at all times during your care. Your surgery may be rescheduled if your driver cannot stay.

*Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, including juice, coffee, chewing gum or mints.

* You may have “water” only up to 2 hours before your arrival at the surgery center.

* Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take recreational drugs 48 hours prior to surgery.

* Do not smoke before or after your surgery. Smoking may cause anesthetic problems.

* Do not take aspirin, aspirin products, vitamin E, Motrin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, or any herb or garlic supplement for one week before and after surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you take Coumadin, Plavix, or other blood thinners.

* If you are taking medication for breathing, seizure, heart disease or blood pressure, take it the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.

* If you are a diabetic, do not take any pills or insulin the morning of the procedure. If your surgery is scheduled for later in the day, we will give further instruction. 

* Do not use lotions, gels, hair spray, cologne, perfume or powders. If your surgery is above your chest, do not use deodorant.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please call our Pre-Admission Testing office at 810-732-7700 to discuss your concerns.