Download Your Procedure Day Eating/Drinking/Smoking Do not eat or drink

2373 64th Street SW
Suite 2200
Byron Center MI 49315
616.685.3975
Your Procedure Day
Eating/Drinking/Smoking
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your scheduled procedure,
unless given direction by your physician or our phone nurse. This includes no water,
food, gum, candy, or chewing tobacco. We encourage you to avoid smoking
preoperatively to decrease risk of postoperative complications.
Medications
If you are taking medications, consult your surgeon or the phone nurse concerning
your dosage and what to take the day of surgery. Please bring a list of all your
current medications including vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and herbal
supplements. Do not bring your actual medications with you – only a list.
Identification and Insurance Cards
Please bring your driver’s license or other photo identification and insurance card(s).
Personal Preparation
Shower or bathe the morning of your surgical procedure. Wear loose, comfortable
clothing. Avoid wearing cosmetics – especially eye make-up. You may bring a CD of
your favorite music to listen to before and after the procedure.
Valuables
Do not bring valuables with you. Avoid bringing excess cash, jewelry, electronics, or
other items of value. Your personal belongings maybe put in a locker or held by your
family while you are in the operating room.
Your Family and Friends
During your procedure, we will do our best to keep family and friends who
accompanied you informed and comfortable. We have a relaxing lounge area or they
may take a tour of our beautiful building – stopping for coffee or snacks at the café.
We can call them to return to the waiting area when your procedure is complete.
Going Home
Helping You Recover
You will receive written instructions for your at-home care. The nurse will review the
instructions with you and answer any questions you might have. If you desire, we
can make your prescriptions available at discharge using the Southwest Family
Pharmacy.
If you have questions after you go home, we are available until 5 pm. After that time,
please contact your physician's office or go to the Urgent Care or an emergency room.
You will receive a call from a nurse 24 to 48 hours after you go home to see how you
are doing and answer any remaining questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is eating before surgery an issue?
Your body has reflexes that prevent food from being aspirated (into the lungs when it
is swallowed or regurgitated). Anesthesia drugs can impair these reflexes, which can
cause food to be inhaled into the lungs. This food may contain bacteria which can
cause complications such as pneumonia when inhaled into the lungs. It is important
not to eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your scheduled procedure,
unless given direction by your physician or pre-operative phone nurse. This includes
no water, food, gum, candy, or chewing tobacco. We recommend you avoid smoking
prior to your surgery.
Can I leave my contacts in during surgery?
You are allowed to wear your contacts to the surgery center. You may be asked to
remove them prior to the surgery. Please bring your contact case and solution.
Do I need to remove body jewelry before my surgery?
For your safety, please remove all jewelry, especially piercings before arriving for your
surgery.
What is a MAC?
This type of anesthesia is used for short operations or those that do not go deep into
the body. You will receive sedatives and painkillers through your IV to keep you
relaxed and comfortable. You may even lightly sleep. The surgeon frequently injects
local anesthesia at the site of your operation to make it numb.
You may receive oxygen through a plastic tube under your nose. The anesthesiologist
or nurse anesthetist will monitor your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen
level throughout the surgery.
Could my surgery time change?
Surgery cases are scheduled based on multiple factors including length of surgery and
the patient's age and current health. At times, a surgery may take longer than
expected which may delay your estimated start time.
Why do I have to arrive earlier than my scheduled surgery time?
The pre-operative phone nurse will call you the day before your surgery and confirm
your arrival time. You will need to arrive approximately 1 - 2 hours prior to your
scheduled surgery start time. This time is used to prepare you for surgery and allow
time for surgical time changes.
Will I get medicine to help me relax?
You will be seen by an anesthesiologist prior to surgery to determine your need for
relaxation medication.
Why do I have to stop diet supplements and vitamins?
Diet supplements and vitamins can have interactions with anesthesia medications or
affect certain body functions causing surgical complications.
Will I see my doctor before the surgery?
You will meet with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.
Where will my family be while I'm in surgery?
Your family will be directed to wait in the lobby during your surgery. The surgeon will
speak to your family following your procedure. The nurse will determine when the
time is appropriate for your family to come back and visit.
What is an Advanced Directive?
An Advanced Directive is documentation of your wishes in relation to health care and
end of life care, in case you are unable to express your desires because your illness
has limited your capacity to do so. It is only used for health care purposes and does
not include wishes about financial or property issues.
Do I need an Advanced Directive to have my surgery?
No. You will be offered information regarding Advanced Directives if you do not
currently have one. If you do have one, please bring a copy with you.
Will I need crutches?
Your surgeon will instruct you to use crutches if necessary. If you do not currently
own crutches, arrangements can be made to help you obtain them.
When can I go back to work?
Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe for you to return to work or school.
Can I go back to the operating room with my child?
One parent is permitted to accompany his/her child back to the operating room. You
can remain with your child until he/she is asleep. At that time, you will be directed to
the lobby to wait for the surgeon to come speak with you.
Will my child have an IV?
Your child may need an IV depending on the type of surgery to be performed. Timing
of the IV placement will be determined by the doctor.
Do I need a pregnancy test?
Any female that is of childbearing age and/or menstruating will be required to have a
pregnancy test.
Which medications do I take? Which medications do I stop?
The pre-operative phone nurse will instruct you which medications you may continue
taking and which ones you must discontinue prior to surgery.
Does someone have to drive me home?
Yes, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home from your procedure. In
addition, you will need an adult to stay with you for the next 24 hours following your
surgery.
Do I need a follow up appointment with the surgeon?
Your surgeon will instruct you when to return for a follow up visit. This will be
discussed prior to discharge.