2 Weeks Before Surgery
Call your surgeon if you develop a cough, cold, sore throat or fever.
Do not take aspirin for 2 weeks before surgery unless your surgeon instructs otherwise. Aspirin tends to thin the blood.
Try to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before your surgery to help get your lungs in shape.
Inform your surgeon of any medications you are currently taking.
Complete any pre-admission testing that is scheduled at least 3 working days prior to your procedure.
Bring your health insurance card and pre-admission testing orders at time of scheduled tests.
Night Before Surgery If you eat or drink anything after these instructed times, your surgery will be canceled or delayed:
Eat a light dinner
Do not eat any solid food after 9:00 p.m.
Do not drink any fluids after midnight (12:00 a.m.) including gum and mints unless your surgeon instructs otherwise. If you eat or drink anything after these instructed times, your surgery will be canceled or delayed.
Do not smoke or drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before surgery.
Do not swallow any water when brushing your teeth the morning of surgery.
If you take high blood pressure, seizure, breathing, heart condition or thyroid medication, its recommended that you take your regular dose with as little water as possible, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
If you use insulin, your surgeon will give you instructions about your day-of-surgery dose.
Bathe either the morning of or the night before your surgery.
Pre-Admission Testing Bring your health insurance card and pre-admission testing orders at time of scheduled tests.
Bring a list of your medications (not the actual pills) including medication name, dosage amount and frequency.
Pre-Admission Testing is offered to patients from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You may need to have routine pre-admission tests before surgery to advise your physician of your general state of health. Tests may include lab work, X-rays or an EKG.
If your pre-admission testing is not performed at a Sentara facility or if your physician's office performs these tests, the results must be sent in writing to the hospital (either by mail or fax) no later than 48 hours before surgery.