How to Prepare: The Day Before Surgery
Please check the date and time you need to arrive for your surgery. Our staff will give this information to you at the time of your pre-op visit, or by your doctor’s office if you are receiving straight local anesthesia. If there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or suspected pregnancy, notify your doctor/surgeon or call the pre-op staff at the Surgery Center.
Transportation
You will need to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
NOTE: If you are receiving straight local anesthesia, you may drive yourself home after you are fully recovered from your procedure (30 minutes or longer).
Eating and Drinking
The night before your surgery, eat a light meal before 11 p.m. and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, not even coffee, water, gum or mints. This is essential to reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting during or following anesthesia. Failure to follow these rules may result in cancellation of your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled after 12 p.m. or later in the afternoon, you will be given specific instructions during your pre-op visit or by your doctor’s office.
NOTE: If you are receiving straight local anesthesia, you may be allowed to eat a light meal the day of surgery, but check with your doctor first!
Medications
Do not take any medication after midnight unless instructed to do so by your doctor, or you are given written instructions by the Northwest Florida Surgery Center pre-op staff.
If you are diabetic, you will be given specific instructions during your pre-op visit and they will be written on your Pre-Op Instructions form.
Kids Are Special
The Surgery Center provides special gowns for small children. To make children more comfortable, they may bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, book, their own blanket, and pacifier.
Also, parents may bring their child’s own covered cup or bottle containing their favorite juice.