Before Surgery

Your doctor will examine you and ask you questions regarding your health. Be sure to make your answers as detailed as you can. It's likely that you may have tests, such as blood tests and x-rays.

Be sure to notify your doctor of any medications you take such as inhalers, insulin, and over-the-counter medications like aspirin or iburprofen.

Your doctor may want to discuss donating your own blood in case it's necessary to replace during surgery.

Take a moment, ahead of time, to visit the hospital or surgery center. A nurse or other health care workers will explain what will happen the day of surgery.

Preparing for Surgery at Home
You'll need to do some things at home to get ready for surgery. Give the hospital or surgery center a day notice by calling them to confirm your surgery date. Also, be sure to be on time.

• If you smoke, quit or cut down.
  
  
• Shower and shampoo your hair. You may be asked to scrub the skin where the surgery will be done. Hair in that area of your body may be shaved or trimmed at the hospital.
  
  
• Make arrangements for an adult to drive you home after your surgery.
  
  
• Follow any other instructions you've been provided with.
  

Nothing by Mouth
Unless told otherwise, don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, chewing gum, and mints. You can brush your teeh, but don't swallow any water. If you are on medications, take them with small sips of water.