Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery at Reid Health

Your surgical journey begins when you and your provider decide you should have the procedure. Once you schedule the surgery with us, you’ll receive a detailed plan. It might be mailed to your home or given to you in person at your appointment and includes information about your preoperative diet, schedules for decreasing or stopping certain medications, and more.  

In addition to receiving a preoperative plan, you might be referred to the Reid Health Perioperative Care, where you’ll be assigned a perioperative nurse navigator and meet your surgical team.

Your team will review your medical history and create a plan to minimize potential complications during and after surgery. Their goal is to improve your health before surgery, so your procedure is as successful as possible.

Please bring to your first visit a list of all medications you currently take and providers you see.

Based on your medical evaluation, you might need additional services, which your team can work with you to schedule. Those services might include labs and diagnostic tests, appointments with specialists, or treatments for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, that can cause problems during surgery.

The day of surgery

On the date of your procedure, please arrive 90 minutes early to get settled in and complete any necessary paperwork. If you need additional tests or exams, you’ll have them during your preoperative appointment. In addition, follow these guidelines:  

• Bring your insurance information, photo identification, Medicare/Medicaid information (if applicable), discharge planning paperwork, your medications (including inhalers if you use one, and copayment.  
• Don’t wear nail polish, contact lenses, makeup, or jewelry.  
• Leave valuable belongings at home.  
• Make sure you have a ride home arranged.  
• Wear loose-fitting garments.  

Once you’re in the operating room, you may receive anesthesia to prevent you from experiencing pain during your procedure.

• Local anesthesia numbs a small part of your body.
• Regional anesthesia numbs a larger part of your body.
• General anesthesia allows you to sleep during the procedure and prevents you from moving or experiencing pain.
• Sedation helps you relax or sleep during the procedure.

Recovery and postoperative care

After the procedure, you’ll go to the recovery area. Depending on the surgery you have, you might be able to go home within a few hours or you might stay overnight at the hospital for additional monitoring and care.  

You’ll receive thorough post-discharge care instructions before your procedure, so you feel prepared when you go home. Follow these instructions carefully to help ensure the best possible results.  

You’ll return to Reid for a postoperative visit with your surgeon. This typically happens seven to 10 days after surgery. However, never hesitate to call 911 or come to the Emergency Department if you experience serious complications or concerning symptoms as you recover.