Cease smoking and drinking

Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your surgery. Smoking or drinking may cause complications in your recovery from anesthesia and may lengthen the healing process.

Pack for your hospital visit

If you are staying at the hospital after your surgery, bring personal items such as a robe, slippers, pajamas, additional clothing and toiletries. Don't forget to pack the following:

• A list of your medicines. Use My Medicine List.


• Your inhalers, if applicable.


• An eyeglass case or a contact lens case with solution or both. Wear your eyeglasses the day of surgery. You cannot wear contacts while you are under anesthesia.


• A copy of your health care directive, living will or name of durable power of attorney for health care.


• Your insurance card and photo ID.


• Your CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea.


• Our goal is to reduce the spread of germs. If your child is having surgery with us, we no longer provide toys. Please bring your child's favorite comfort toys.


• If you have a pacemaker/ICD, bring your ICD manufacturing identification card.

Abstain from food and drink

Per our anesthesia guidelines, do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your surgery. This includes gum, hard candies, water, or mints. The only exception is if you've been instructed by your doctor to take your medications with a sip of water. If your mouth becomes dry, you may swish water, but you must spit it out. Oral care including brushing your teeth is permitted, but do not swallow any water.

If your child is having surgery, follow the special feeding instructions given to you by the nurse during the pre-screening interview.

If you get a cold, fever, infection or sore throat, call your surgeon right away.

Remove nail polish

Please remove any fingernail and toenail polish. We monitor your breathing during the procedure and watch that your nail beds remain pink, which means oxygen is circulating well throughout your body.

Body cleansing

Please follow any education or specific instructions you received from your provider in regards to your surgery.