Before Surgery

The Evening Before Surgery

• A nurse will call you between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. the day before surgery to tell you when to arrive. 
• IMPORTANT eating instructions
  • Do NOT eat food or drink milk after midnight
  • Water is okay until 4 hours before admission.
  • No gum, mints, or hard candy
   
• Follow bowel preparation instructions, if ordered by your physician.
• Take a shower or bath on the day of your surgery.
• DO NOT shave the surgery site. The hospital has special clippers to remove hair if needed.
• Alert your surgeon of any rashes, cuts or scrapes on or near your surgery site.
• For your safety, your stomach must be empty for surgery. If you eat or drink before your surgery, it will have to be postponed.

Next page: The Day of Surgery, Before You Leave Home