Be aware that your own surgeon will issue both pre-op and post-op instructions. Those instructions supercede any others, including the ones found on this site.
You have few responsibilities on your surgery day. The most important? Show up on time.
Other responsibilities:
- You haven't had anything to eat or drink since midnight.
- You've scrubbed yourself with antibacterial soap and are free of lotion or deodorant or perfume or make-up.
- You've got loose fitting clothes to wear on the way home - remember you'll be wearing a surgical bra or you'll be wrapped in tape or ace bandages after surgery.
- You've arranged for someone to take you to the facility and to bring you back home.
- You've got dedicated help at home from a significant other or friend for the first 48 hours post-operatively.
- Are you under the weather? Sniffles or feeling feverish? Make sure you inform your physician. Surgery might have to be postponed - you made arrangements assuming the surgery would be today, but if you truly are sick, putting it off may be the prudent decision - it's up to your doctor.
Next: You've had surgery. Everything went well in the OR and in post-op. You're ready to go home.
