Preparing for Your Surgery

Please follow these important instructions:

• Do not eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Do not wear cologne, perfume, deodorant or skin lotions.
• If you regularly take prescribed medications, consult your doctor for instructions.
• If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for any special instructions for the day of surgery.
• You will not be able to drive after your surgery. If someone cannot accompany you, bring a phone number of someone who is immediately available, when called, to drive you home.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Bring your glasses or contact case. Do not bring any valuables (cash, checks, credit cards, etc.). You may not wear a wedding band or any jewelry (including body piercing), wigs, hairpins, glasses, contact lenses, false eyelashes, make-up, dentures or partial plates in the operating room.
• Come to the third floor of the Ambulatory Care Center (glass building 301), and check in at the reception desk.
• All females with childbearing potential will be required to bring the first voided urine on the day of surgery for pregnancy testing. A urine specimen cup will be provided to you by your doctor's office or Pre-Surgical Testing Department or you may use a clean, leak proof jar, labeled with your name. Bring the specimen with you to the pre-surgical care unit on the day of surgery.
• Practice cough, deep breathing and pain control techniques.