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.
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 or drink after midnight (12 a.m.) including gum and mints unless your surgeon instructs otherwise.
Do not smoke 24 hours before surgery.
Do not drink any alcohol after 8 pm. the night before surgery or 24 hours after surgery.
Do not swallow any water when brushing your teeth the morning of surgery.
If you use insulin/diabetic pills, your surgeon will give you instructions about your day-of-surgery dose.
Bath either the morning of or the night before your surgery. Do not apply any lotions, deodorants, powder or cosmetics.
Pre-Admission Testing Pre Admission testing is available from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Extended hours and weekend times are available at the main Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center through the same scheduling number.
Please call (757) 934-4622 to schedule your pre-admission appointment within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
Please expect your pre-admission appointment with a registered nurse to last an average of one-hour.
Bring your health insurance card for proper billing and co-payer deductible payments.
Bring pre-admission testing orders and X-rays if available.
Bring a list of your medications (not the actual pills) including medication name, dosage amount and frequency.
Dont forget to include over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products.
Bring a list of allergies to any medications, foods, dyes, tape or latex. It is important that we know what type of reactions you have experienced with each suspected allergy.
Bring a copy of your Advance Directive, living will and/or medical power of attorney for health care.
Any pre-admission testing not performed at a Sentara facility or if your physicians office performs these tests, the results must be sent to the Sentara Obici Hospital pre-admission testing center no later than 24-hours prior to scheduled surgery.
Children Having Surgery Teddy bears are welcome! Surgery can be frightening to children, because the surroundings and experience are unfamiliar. Our SOH team works with parents to reassure their child and make them feel at ease. In order for our staff to provide efficient medical care in a safe environment, please do not bring siblings or additional children. In order for our staff to provide efficient medical care in a safe environment, please do not bring siblings or additional children.
Address your or your childs concerns. Please ask questions.
Your child will never be left alone.
From admitting to recovery, our staff will attend to your child.
You Can Help Stay in the building at all times.
Stay with your child (or minor under 17 years of age) until he/she is taken to the Operating Room. A parents presence is comforting and he/she needs your support.
You will be reunited almost immediately following surgery.
Tell your child what to expect.