Instructions before your surgery

Instructions before your surgery

There are some guidelines every person needs to follow before surgery.  Every procedure is different and some recommendations can change from surgery to surgery. However these general rules apply to most surgeries.  Patients should follow them before undergoing any surgical procedure:

No smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the procedure.

Avoid the following substances for at least two weeks before your surgery: alka seltzer, aspirin, advil or ibuprofen, dristan, naproxen, multivitamins, vitamin E, herbalife, omega 3, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic pills, green tea, glucosamine, ginger, warfarine, natural homeopathic products. These substances can increase bleeding during surgery.

If you have any pain or discomfort before surgery, you can take Tylenol (Acetaminophen).

If you take Warfarin or other blood thinners please notify Dr. Mejia before surgery.

If you get sick or get a fever before surgery, please notify Dr. Mejia.

You will have an appointment with the Anesthesiologist before surgery.  Bring a list of the meds you take on a daily basis.

If you suffer from a chronic illness (Hypertension, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism), make sure you are taking your meds and your illness is under control.

If your procedure is with general anesthesia, you should come to surgery with an empty stomach. This means NO eating or drinking 8 hours before surgery. An empty stomach helps prevent vomiting after surgery. If you take daily medicine that is important to your health (hypertension, thyroid, diabetes), you can take it with a little water.  Procedures with local anesthesia don’t require an empty stomach.

The day of your surgery you should arrive 1 hour before your surgery time. Being late to surgery is a common cause of cancelation.  A responsible adult or a hired nurse should accompany you home after surgery.

Bring your ID (passport) with you the day of surgery.

Wear no make up or nail polish the day of your surgery.

A responsible adult or a hired nurse should take care of you the first night after surgery.

The day of surgery, bring comfortable clothes. Clothes with buttons or zipper at the front are more comfortable and easier to put on after surgery.  Avoid high heels or tight clothes.

Leave all valuables at home (jewelry and cash).

Have food at home that’s easy to digest for after surgery (Canada dry, jello, saltines, soup).