Patient Information

Before Your Surgery

Pre-Op Instructions: The Night Before…

  • Do not eat any food or drink milk products after midnight the night before surgery (unless otherwise instructed).
  • Clear liquids such as water, apple juice, Sprite, black coffee and tea are permitted up until 4 hours prior to surgery.
  • If patient is an infant please call Unity Surgical Center at 446.5000 for more specific feeding instructions.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery.
  • Please do not smoke or chew tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
  • Please do not chew gum.
  • Failure to follow the above instructions may result in your surgery being delayed or postponed. Stop taking herbal medications and diet drugs at least one week prior to surgery. Typically, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your surgery. Your physician may give you other more detailed instructions. Please follow these instructions closely. If you have any other questions about dietary instructions, please call the surgeon with whom your surgery is scheduled.

Pre-Op Instructions: The Morning Of…

  • Medications: Take all routine medications at your normally scheduled time, except for diuretics (water pills) and diabetic medications (Insulin and/or pills) with a sip of water. Continue bronchodilators, and use last dose within 2 hours before your surgery.
  • Please bring your Nitroglycerin with you, if applicable.
  • Patients on respiratory inhalers, please bring them with you.
  • Bring a list of medications.
This list should include doses and how many times a day you take the medication. This
list would also include herbs and vitamins and any over the counter drugs you take.
  • Clothing and Contact Lenses: Wear comfortable clothing that you can change in and out of easily and will not bind your surgery site.
  • Leave contact lenses at home or bring a case and solution for them.
  • Please do not apply any perfumes or make-up before the surgery.
  • Infants and Small Children: If your infant or small child is having surgery, you may bring his or her special toy or blanket. Bring formula or any special food your child needs after surgery. Also, please bring diapers and a bottle or sipper cup if your child uses them. If your child’s height is 4’9” or under, a child restraint seat is required to transport home.
  • Valuables: Please leave all of your valuables at home. Also, do not wear any jewelry the day of your procedure, including body piercings.