What medications and supplements should I stop before surgery?
Answer: To promote better healing we need all the unknown substances out of your body. Some medications, vitamins and even herbal remedies can interfere with the medications we give you or may heighten or lessen the effects of them.
Products containing aspirin, vitamin E, or ibuprofen prior to surgery commonly increase operative and post-operative bleeding and all of these substances must be discontinued for at least two weeks before surgery as their effect on blood clotting lasts weeks. All medications should be approved by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Herbal preparations, stimulants, diet pills, dietary drinks with multi-vitamins, amphetamine products and anti-inflammatory agents of any kind need to also be stopped for at least two weeks. Black fungus and Shitaki type mushrooms commonly used in East Asian dishes might also cause bleeding and bruising.
Should I change my diet before surgery?
Answer: If you are several days or even weeks before surgery, try to make lean protein and low fat dairy a part of your diet as protein is essential in healing, but don’t have a large meal at least 12 hours before surgery.
Is it important to hydrate before surgery? When to stop?
Answer: Hydrating with water until your urine is clear and mostly colorless days before surgery will make you feel more energetic and tolerate the process better. Do not consume any water 8-12 hours before surgery performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. If your surgeon instructs you to do so, you can only take your medications the morning of surgery with the smallest sip of water possible .
Can I have alcohol before surgery?
Answer: No alcohol should be consumed within at least 72 hours of elective procedure and it should be strictly avoided while taking narcotics for pain. Alcohol also causes dehydration. Red wine in particular can act as a naturally occurring blood thinner so it should not be consumed at least two weeks before surgery.
Why do I have to remove my nail polish?
Answer: We put a monitor on your fingernail that uses a light to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. So fingernail polish, fake nails, thick nails, or fungus can impede the light going through your nail and offer an incorrect measurement. But don’t worry, we can use your toenail or even ear if needed.
Why can’t I wear any deodorant or lotion the day of surgery?
Answer: There are multiple reasons; they do interfere with the adhesive from the monitors, interfere with the readings of important equipment and might get into the surgical site.
Why do I have to come to the surgery center 45 minutes before my procedure?
Answer: Patients go through assessment by the nurse, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon in preparation for surgery and everyone involved should have enough time to make best contribution to your care.
Why does the nurse take my blood pressure before the surgery even starts?
Answer: We need a baseline measurement, so we know what your normal is before surgery starts. Also, to make sure it is within the limits for the procedure.
How long will I be in the Recovery after my procedure?
Answer: The average recovery is between half an hour to an hour and a half and varies from person to person and from procedure to procedure and the length of surgery.
Why do I have to urinate before I leave Recovery?
Answer: Sometimes parts of the brain don’t wake up as fast as others. We give you fluid through the IV during your stay and need to see some pass through your system to make sure all systems are awake from the anesthesia.
