Prior to Surgery
- Mind Set
It is important to keep a positive mental attitude during the days prior to your surgery. One of the biggest causes of anxiety is the fear of the unknown. As the surgery date gets closer, it is normal to have more questions than when you first scheduled your operation. Write these questions down as you think of them. During your next office visit you will have the opportunity to have all of your questions and concerns answered.
- Caregiver
If you need the assistance of a caregiver be sure to chose one that will be a positive influence and a responsible person to provide you the care you need. If you require a caregiver we can refer you to a qualified agency.
- Transportation
Patients often ask if someone can drop them off for their surgery and then call a cab to bring them home. For safety reasons, and regulatory requirements the surgery center CANNOT release you to a taxi/Uber/hired driver. If you are unable to arrange someone who can drive and stay with you at home after your surgery, we can arrange a reliable post-operative overnight caregiver (for a reasonable fee).
- Diet
In order to get the best results from your surgery, your body needs protein, carbohydrates, iron, nutrients and yes, even fat, to recover properly. Always keep in mind to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid too much sodium and drink lots of fluids.
- Smoking
Do not smoke and stay away from second hand smoke, e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, cigars, hookah and marijuana. If you are unable to quit, please be honest with your doctor. It is very important for your care and they may need to adjust your surgical approach.
- OTC Medication
The following over-the-counter medications may cause surgical complications. Stop taking these 2 weeks prior to surgery: (unless your surgeon states otherwise) Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, BC Powder, Phentermine, any diet pills or herb blends designed to control appetite, Adderall, Vyvanse, Vitamin E, Fish oil.
Refrain from taking these 1 week prior to surgery: Chromium, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo, Goldenseal, Flaxseed, Echinacea, Licorice, Saw Pal- metto, Ephedra, Ginseng, Feverfew, Kava-Kava, St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, Biotin.
- Prescriptions
Please make sure to review all of your current prescriptions, over the counter medications, and dosages with our staff. You may be asked to take certain medications the morning of your surgery such as heart or blood pressure medications with a small sip of water. Also, make sure to take all post operative medications if available.
- Recovery Clothing
We recommend loose-fitting pants, a button-up shirt, or PJ tops as recovery clothing. Please avoid anything where you might have to pull articles of clothing over your head. Slip-on shoes are preferable or anything that won’t require bending over to put them on.
Day of Surgery
- What to Bring
Please remember to bring the following things with you on the day of your operation:
- Eye glasses and case, because we cannot allow contacts to be worn during surgery.
- Your pre-op bag with all prescriptions (when applicable).
- Pillow and throw blanket for extra comfort on the ride home.
- Denture or false teeth cases should they need to be removed.
- Inhaler or rescue breathing apparatus. (consult your doctor to make sure taking it post surgery is safe).
- Remaining payment, insurance payments as applicable.
- Please DO NOT bring any valuables (jewelry, entire purse or wallet except payment and ID and insurance card).
- Morning of the Procedure Checklist
Please read through the following guidelines and make sure you follow the instructions on this list the morning of your surgery:
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything prior to midnight the night before, unless otherwise instructed.
- Shower and wash your body with antimicrobial soap as instructed.
- Do not put on any makeup, deodorant, perfume or hair spray.
- Be aware of where you’re going and you have someone to drive you, pick you up and stay with you.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the surgery center on time, keeping in mind of potential traffic delays.
- Wear loose fitting clothing and shoes that are easy to slip on and walk in.
- Make sure not to wear contact lenses, or jewelry. Also please remove any dark fingernail polish or piercings/metal objects.
- Bring a form of ID (driver’s license or passport), insurance card, and payment.
- Make sure to travel in a vehicle that’s easy to get in and out of.
- Information for Caregivers
Please plan on letting the patient rest. Even though they may not feel like it; it’s important that they are ambulatory – meaning walking under their own strength – with you next to them if they need help or feel woozy.
Get them up at least every 2 to 3 hours and allow them to walk around a bit and use the restroom. This does not mean to wake them up at night when they are resting.
Elevate their head and chest, usually with 2 to 3 pillows behind their back or in a recliner.
Have the medications ready and give them according to doctor’s instructions.
Make sure the patient is breathing, coughing and stretching: the lungs need to wake up after anesthesia to prevent from accumulating fluid. Repeat this at least once an hour, taking five deep cleansing breaths. Cough three times.
- After Surgery
Follow post operative wound care instructions given by your surgeon’s office. If in doubt, call for detailed instructions or if you have additional questions.
Eat light, comfort foods such as jello, soup, crackers, and toast until you feel up to more substantial meals. It may take you a day or two to get back to eating regularly. Avoid consuming salt. Eating salty foods increases swelling during your recovery.
Do not smoke. If ever there was a time not to smoke, this is it. Smoking will greatly impair your ability to heal after surgery. And, please, no second-hand smoke either.
- When to Call for Help
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE:
- Chest pain.
- Trouble Breathing.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Any other medical emergency.
Call your surgeon’s office immediately if you experience any of the following:
- A high fever (over 101˚F)
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Continued dizziness or incoherent behavior such as hallucinations
- Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication
- Bright red skin that is hot to the touch
- Excessive bleeding or fluid seeping through the incisions
- Inability to urinate despite the feeling of a full bladder
- A suspected reaction to one of your medications
- Overnight Care
Most patients prefer the comfort of their own home for the recovery process after surgery, but Crystal Outpatient Surgery Center also offers overnight care facilities staffed with experienced medical professionals. Contact us at 713-467-2453 for additional fees.
The Courtyard Hotel offers room suites complete with all extras you’ll love like free coffee and free High Speed Internet Access. The Courtyard I-10 West hotel staff have been trained to meet the special needs of our patients, and every effort is made to maintain your comfort and privacy at all times.