Dos and Don'ts
There are certain things you will need to do or avoid during the days leading up to your procedure. Here is a list of general guidelines to help you prepare for your surgery:
DO:
- Watch the pre-surgery video at www.tinyurl.com/mgmcvideo.
- Call ResourceLink at (480) 728-5414 to sign up for a pre-surgery class and tour.
- Arrange to have a family member or other responsible adult accompany you to the hospital on the day of your surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours after you are discharged.
- Notify your doctor if you are taking herbal or dietary supplements, and/or over the counter medications. Certain products could impact your surgery.
- Shower or bathe the morning of your surgery. You may use deodorant but no powder, lotion, perfume, aftershave, dark nail polish or makeup.
- Bring your glasses with their case, hearing aids, or dentures ONLY if you rely on them.
- Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms of an illness, such as fever, sore throat, cough, rash or sores near your surgical area.
- Remove any body piercings, especially in the area to be operated on.
DON'T:
- Eat solid food after midnight on the day of surgery. You may have clear liquids eight hours before surgery, then nothing at all including water, ice chips, gum and breath mints. If you do consume anything, your surgery will be cancelled. Clear liquids include water, black coffee or tea, clear broth and sports drinks.
- Smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol or use any type of recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your surgery.
- Wear jewelry or contact lenses.
- Bring valuable items with you to the hospital. This includes jewelry, electronics, credit cards, wallet, or money unless it is to be used to make a payment. Family members should not bring valuable items to you at the hospital. The hospital is not responsible for these items.
- Have jewelry on the hand or foot you are having surgery on.
- Use hairspray or hair gel if you are having head or neck surgery.
- Shave any part of your body prior to surgery.
Please feel free to contact the pre-admission nurse with any questions at (480) 728-7062.
Please note that taxis are not permitted as a means of transportation unless you are accompanied by a family member or other responsible adult.
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