Preparing for Surgery

Please be sure to talk to your doctor about any daily medication you are currently taking, especially for heat, diabetes or blood pressure problems; be sure to mention any over-the-counter drugs such as Aspirin, Bufferin, Nuprin, Advil, Motrin or herb supplement. Your doctor will give you instructions about taking any medication prior to surgery.

The Night Before Surgery.....

For your safety, please do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight (including water) the night before your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum. If ordered by your physician or requested by a nurse, take prescription medications with a sip of water.

You may brush your teeth and rinse out your mouth. If you are scheduled for surgery after 12:00 noon, you are allowed to have clear juice, coffee without milk, or tea up until 6:30 a.m.

Things to Remember on the Day of Your Surgery

Here is a checklist for the day of your surgery.

• Please remember to bring any necessary forms or information that has been requested, such as insurance information, name and phone number of whom to contact about your condition, list of medications that you normally take, and the dosage (you may leave the medications at home).
• Please do not wear jewelry or body piercing and do not bring money or items of value with you to surgery. We are not responsible for lost valuables.
• You should wear glasses instead of contacts or bring a contact lens container for storage during surgery.
• Please do not wear makeup, particularly mascara, the morning of your surgery.
• Because of special equipment that is used during surgery to check circulation, please do not wear nail polish.
• Please inform the nurse if you wear dentures, or a partial plate, or any other prosthesis. You may be asked to remove them before surgery.
• Please wear comfortable, loose clothing that can be easily removed and folded.
• It is best that you shower or bathe prior to your surgery, do not use lotions or powders.
• For outpatient surgery patients, please make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a minimum of 24 hours. You will not be able to drive or take public transportation (bus, taxi, etc.) unaccompanied for at least 24 hours.

When you arrive at Surgicare of South Austin....

To help us keep all surgeries running on time, plan to arrive promptly at the time scheduled. After you have registered at the reception desk, one of our nurses will take you to the admitting area.

Your nurse will escort you to a dressing room where you will be asked to put on a special gown, cap and slippers. Your clothing and other personal belongings will be placed in a bag for safekeeping.

Who to call if you have any questions or concerns...

For questions or concerns please feel free to call (512) 416-6006 from 6a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you feel your condition is an emergency, contact your doctor or dentist immediately, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.