Preoperative Instruction Sheet

Here's what my preoperative instruction sheet says:

-Wear comfortable clothing suitable to the type of surgery you are having.
-DO NOT bring any valuables or wear any jewelry.
-Please do not wear make-up, contact lenses, or fingernail polish.
-Please remove ALL body piercing.
-Dentures and eyeglasses must be removed before going to the Operating Room.

Females - If you have been given a urine specimen container, obtain a urine sample at home on the morning of your procedure and bring it with you to the Ambulatory Procedures Unit (APU)/Short Stay Unit (SSU). It will be collected when you check in at the APU Nurse's Station.

Children are to wear their pajamas and may bring a favorite toy.

MEDICATIONS - do not take any aspirin-containing or Motrin-like medication (including over-the-counter) for two weeks prior to and two weeks after your surgery unless otherwise directed by your physician. These medications include but are not limited to: Aspirin, Excedrin, bufferin, Anacin, Cama, Alka Seltzer, Motrin (Ibuprofen), Indocin, Tolectin, ClinorU (Sulindac), Naprosyn, Toradol, Advil, Nuprin, Aspergum, Vioxx, Naproxen, Celebrex, Diclofenac, mobic (Meloxicam), Bextra.

Do not take the following herbal products - Gingko biloba, Garlic, Ginger. These can prevent blood clots from forming and have been associated with prolonged bleeding.

Do not take Vitamin E supplements.

TYLENOL IS OK. IF ONE OF THE ABOVE MEDICATIONS OR HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS IS TAKEN, YOUR SURGERY MAY BE DELAYED OR CANCELLED.

DO NOT EAT anything solid after midnight on: 12 March.
DO NOT DRINK anything after midnight on: 12 March.

If ordered by your surgeon, you may drink clear liquids up to the time you check in at the APU. Once you check in nothing else may be taken by mouth except prescribed medications with sips of water. Clear liquids include water and coffee without milk.
Only drink the liquids on this list. Orange juice is NOT permitted.
DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN THE 24 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY!

Other items for consideration on your day of surgery (as applicable):
- Complete surgical scrubs as directed with Betadine/Hibiclens/Ivory/regular soap (the night before and the morning of surgery).
- If you require inhalers please bring them with you.
- If you utilize a CPAP machine please bring it with you.
- Bring a copy of your Advanced Directive, Living Will, Five Wishes, or Power of Attorney.

Meals on the Short Stay Unit (SSU) (Overnight Patients)

One you return to the SSU after your procedure, you will be offered the option to receive meals from the Nutrition Management Department via the National Naval Medical Center billing system.

Cost per meal: Breakfast - $1.70 Lunch - $3.30 Dinner - $3.30

Apple juice, ginger ale, gelatin, popsicles, broth, ice cream, and crackers will be available for in-between meal snacks. Your family may also bring you meals, as there are several fast food alternatives available in the hospital.