Surgical Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why can’t I eat or drink after midnight before my surgery?
  2. Why can’t I drive myself home after surgery?
  3. Why do I have to remove jewelry and body piercings?
  4. Will I have pain after surgery?
  5. What can I do to make my surgical interview visit go smoothly?
  6. What can I do to make my day of surgery go smoothly?

Question 1: Why can’t I eat or drink after midnight before my surgery?
Answer: Your stomach must be empty to prevent vomiting. If you vomit during surgery it could go into your lungs. Nothing by mouth means no mints/candy/gum, and nothing to drink or eat. If you eat or drink, your surgery may be postponed or canceled.

Question 2: Why can’t I drive myself home after surgery?
Answer: The medications you receive will make you sleepy and it will be unsafe to drive.

Question 3: Why do I have to remove jewelry and body piercings?
Answer: Jewelry and body piercings increase your risk of burns from surgical equipment.

Question 4: Will I have pain after surgery?
Answer: Yes, probably. We will give you medication to help control your pain. And your surgeon will order medications for you when you go home as well.

Question 5: What can I do to make my surgical interview visit go smoothly?
Answer:

  • Bring all of your paperwork from your doctor.
  • Bring a copy of an EKG or chest X-ray done within the past six months (unless done at Gwinnett Medical/Joan Glancy/Glancy Outpatient) or we may need to repeat them.
  • If you have been seeing a doctor to get a clearance letter for surgery, bring a copy of that letter.
  • We suggest you make arrangements for childcare.
  • Bring all of your prescriptions and herbals/supplements, or a detailed list that includes the dosage, name, strength and frequency of all of your medicines.
  • Please arrive early in case you need to fill out paperwork.
  • Bring the names and phone numbers for your doctor(s) and pharmacy.

Question 6: What can I do to make my day of surgery go smoothly?
Answer:

  • Arrange for childcare.
  • Get crutches or a walker if you will need them after surgery.
  • Leave all of your valuables and jewelry at home.
  • You must have someone to drive you home or the number of someone who will drive you home.
  • Review your instruction sheet and arrive on time.
  • If your health permits, drink extra fluids until midnight the night before surgery.
  • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

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