Pre- and Post-Op Instructions | Surgery Center at Health Park

Pre-register for surgery

Our patients can now complete surgery pre-registration easily online to save time! Completing the form is very simple and should take you 10-15 minutes. You will need your medication information ready. We will also send you directions to our center based on your home address. Thank you!

What to expect before surgery

3 phone calls

A nurse from the Surgery Center at Health Park will call you prior to your surgery to:
- Review your medical history and current medications
- Answer any questions you may have about your surgery
A staff member will call by 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to surgery to confirm your arrival time.
A business office staff member will also contact you about your financial responsibilities and will confirm your insurance coverage.

Feel free to visit the surgery center before the day of surgery. This may help you, and especially children, feel more at ease on the day of the procedure. Please call us to arrange an appointment.

If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon immediately. Anesthesia and certain medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.

Instructions the night before surgery

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including gum, water, mints, or vitamins, unless your anesthesiologist has given you special instructions stating otherwise.
- This is very important for your safety. If you do not follow these directions, your procedure may have to be delayed or rescheduled.
If you are taking medications, your anesthesiologist will give you instructions to follow regarding what you should or should not take the night before surgery.
If your child is having surgery, your anesthesiologist will provide special feeding instructions.
- On the day of surgery, one parent must remain in the surgery center at all times.
- Please bring diapers, and a bottle or sippy cup.
- Your child may keep a small toy or special item with him or her for comfort on the day of the surgery.

Instructions the morning of surgery

Do not eat or drink anything in the morning unless you have been given special instructions stating otherwise.
Do not wear jewelry, watches, makeup, or nail polish.
If you wear contact lenses, please bring a case with you as well as a pair of glasses.
Get a good night's rest.
Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to change and will not bind the surgery site.
Leave valuables at home, as The Surgery Center at Health Park is not responsible for lost items.
Remember to bring your insurance card, driver's license, and Medicare card (if applicable).

Arrive one hour before your surgery (unless instructed otherwise) to complete your admission forms, sign your consent, and to visit with your anesthesiologist.
Bring a friend or family member to wait for you during surgery. During recovery, two family members are permitted to visit at a time.
Persons under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian with them to sign the consent forms.
If you are diabetic and take insulin, please bring it with you.
If you use inhalers, please bring them with you.
During preparation, your anesthesiologist will discuss your procedure with you, tell you exactly what will happen before, during, and after your surgery, and answer any remaining questions you may have.

What to expect and do right after surgery

You will rest in our recovery room under the care of specially trained nurses until discharge.
Your anesthesiologist will continually monitor your condition.
Nurses and physicians will answer your questions and provide detailed instructions. You will receive a written copy of the instructions. Please follow them carefully.
You must have a responsible adult drive you home, or to accompany you if you plan to use a taxi.
You should have someone stay at home with you through the night.
Do not make any important decisions, drive, or operate machinery for 24 hours after your surgery.