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Preoperative InstructionsWe want you to be in the best possible health prior to surgery. It will make your surgery safer and improve your chances for a better surgical outcome, and a better overall experience for you. Here is the information that you will need to be aware of in preparing for surgery: Two Weeks Before Surgery:Warning: Do Not Come Alone!It is critical that you have someone with you for the 7 days following your surgery. If you come alone we will have to cancel you operation. Stop Taking Any Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil or Other Arthritis or Pain MedicinesMake certain you do not take any aspirin or aspirin containing medicines for two weeks before surgery because this can increase your risk of bleeding. Aspirin and the other salicylates belong to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs for short). You should avoid anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin products as well as excessive quantities of Vitamin E (the small amount contained in most multi-vitamin preparations is not harmful) for two weeks before surgery, as these inhibit the clotting mechanism and increase your chances of unnecessary operative bleeding. Aspirin-like products, which interfere with blood clotting, can promote bleeding during and after your surgery. P.S. That includes "BC's" and Goody Powders We recommend that you avoid these over the counter pain relievers following surgery. We recommend that you avoid the Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil type medicines because of their known risk of stomach irritation and ulcer formation. We recommend avoiding Tylenol type products because of the potential damage to the liver after rapid weight loss. If you need pain relief, you will need a prescription medicine that reduces the chance of damaging your liver or other vital organs. Discuss other MedicationsIf you currently are taking any medication, please discuss with our surgical staff regarding discontinuation before and after surgery. Stop the Coffee and Coke and other forms of CaffeineCaffeine withdrawal can be a very unpleasant experience following surgery. It is recommended that you restrict or at least reduce your intake of caffeine several weeks prior to surgery. Soda is not allowed post-op at all, and you won’t want to deal with caffeine withdrawal during the initial liquids only phase. It is easier to cut down gradually than to go cold turkey! Several Days Before SurgeryEat lightly for two to three days prior to surgery. Soups, salads, yogurt and other easily digested foods are your best choice during this time. Your intestines change in length and diameter constantly, and our experience has shown that your surgery will be maximized if your intestines are not stretched following a large meal. No Beards or Mustaches, Shave!If you have a beard, mustache or other facial hair, you must shave it prior to surgery. We need to place a mask on your face as part of the pre and post anesthesia management. A beard or other facial hair interferes with the mask fit and seal on your face. If you have a beard or mustache you must shave if you want to proceed with operation. Plan Ahead for Childcare and Transportation HomeYou should plan for transportation home or to your hotel following surgery. You cannot drive yourself home from the hospital after surgery. If all goes well you should plan on going home on the morning or afternoon of the day after surgery (i.e. 24 hours after surgery.) Plan ahead for childcare arrangements, transportation, etc. You will need someone to be with you for the 48-72 hours following the day of your surgery. You should not drive for at least a week, and may feel like napping over the next few days. This is a common following anesthesia, as the drugs work their way out of your system. You Must Stay in the AreaIf you do not live within a two-hour drive of our facility, you must agree to stay in a hotel or other nearby accommodations for 7 days following your release from the hospital. This is to assure your safety, and to allow you to come back at anytime if necessary. We can assist you in locating accommodations, and have negotiated with hotels in the area for better rates and amenities. Please call our office if you need assistance in this area. The Day/Night Before SurgerySee PreOp Medications: Milk of Magnesia (Magnesia; Magnesium Hydroxide) When: The Morning of the day before surgery. Chlorhexidine, (Hibiclens®) When: The night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) Non Prescription When: The night before surgery. Levofloxacin (Levaquin): When: The night before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum after midnight. Do not eat or drink after midnight (a few small sips of water is OK) Leave all valuables at home Do not wear any makeup, nail polish, or jewelry. If you have artificial nails, we can use your toenails to check for oxygen levels. If you have any rings that you cannot remove, please go to a jeweler to have them removed prior to surgery. The Day of SurgeryMorning of SurgeryMetaclopromide (Reglan): When: The morning of surgery. Plan on a Place to Stay Near By if you are from Out of StateIf you are from more than 2 hours away from Statesville you are advised to select a hotel in the area to stay close until you have recovered, usually 5-7 days after surgery. You Must Have Someone to Stay with YouYou must have someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. Arrange for PaymentOnly MasterCard and Visa accepted or cashiers check or money orders. Personal checks are NOT accepted. What to Bring to the HospitalPack lightly. The hospital provides you with minimal toiletries, and you will be wearing a hospital gown (don’t worry, they’re extra large!). You really shouldn’t use your own gowns or robes because of the IV. You will want to wear loose clothing home from the hospital; nothing tight around the waist that will irritate the bandages covering the port sites in your abdominal area. You may want to bring lollipops, mints or hard candies to suck on, as your mouth will be dry, and you will not be able to drink large amounts at first. Complete Your Preoperative PreparationReview the patient education materials. Review the informed consent document PreOp Things “To-Do” ListShower with Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine) twice, both the evening before and the morning of surgery. You can purchase this at your local drug store. Do not smoke or chew gum after 12:00 midnight. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery (A few sips of water are OK). Leave all of your valuables at home. Do not wear any makeup, nail polish, or jewelry. If you have rings that are difficult to remove, it is suggested you see a jeweler before admission to help remove them. Dentures, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses or contacts must be removed prior to surgery. Get to the Hospital 2-4 Hours Before SurgeryArrive at the Hospital well ahead of the designated time for admission. Operations frequently go faster than planned and you could be delayed if you are not there on time. If you are currently taking medication, discuss with Dr. Rutledge if you should stop taking it. What happens in the HospitalAn IV will be started by anesthesia before your transfer to the Operating Room. You will be transferred to the Operating Room by the anesthesiologist/anesthetist and met by a surgical nurse who will be with you for the duration of the procedure. When you awake, you will be in the Recovery Room. A nurse will be with you for the duration of your stay there (approximately one to three hours). When you are returned to your room you will be followed as you recover by the nurses and Dr. Rutledge. When you are ready to be discharged, usually on the second day after operation, a staff nurse will talk to you about your home care. They will then call for your prearranged transportation. If you have any questions about these instructions or at any time please remember that you should always feel free to call Dr. Rutledge. Please leave your home or hotel phone number or where you can be reached. The Dr. Rutledge or the hospital's nursing staff will contact you to check on your condition. |
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