What to Expect

Preparing for your Surgery

1. Know your surgery date
2. Complete registration paperwork for pre-surgical screening provided by our office
   • Instruction letter from NWNY
   • Information about pre-Admission testing (PAT)
3.  Keep appointments for medical clearance as needed
4. Go to pre-surgical screening appointment. You will receive a call from the pre-surgical department approximately 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery date to schedule your appointment
   • Be prepared to answer questions
     • Surgeon’s Name
     • Date and type of surgery
     • Health history and surgeries
     • ALL medications, dosage and how often taken
     • Pharmacy phone numbers
   • Bring with you
     • Insurance cards
     • Health care proxy or living will (if you have one)
     • 2-page surgical pre admission form
   • Anticipate appointment to last 60 to 90 minutes.  You may eat, drink, and take routine medications
   • Services provided at pre-surgical screening
     • Blood work
     • EKG
     • Health screening history
     • Pre-surgical education
5. Stop all anti-inflammatory medications as instructed
   • Do not take aspirin or NSAID’S (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, naproxen) 10 days prior to surgery
   • If you have questions or concern contact NWNY
6. Prepare your home
   • Be ready to come home from the hospital
   • Clean, do laundry and put it away
   • Place clean linen on the bed
   • Prepare meals, make arrangement for meals
   • Make arrangements for transportation—you will not be able to drive after surgery
   • Make arrangements for yard work or snow removal
   • Pick up throw rugs and secure loose carpeting
   • Remove electrical cords and other obstructions
   • Install night-lights in bathrooms and hallways
   • Arrange for someone to take care of loved ones and pets
7. Pack for your hospital stay
   • Insurance cards
   • Advanced directive
   • List of Medications
   • Personal hygiene items
   • Glasses if needed, you will not be able to wear contact lens for surgery
   • Loose fitting pajamas, shorts with elastic waistband, loose underwear shirts, a pair of walking shoes
   • Cell phone or electronic device if desired (Wi-Fi available)
   • DO NOT BRING JEWELRY OR LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH
8. Know the arrival time for your surgery.  Confirm time of surgery the day prior.
9. Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery. Do not chew gum or eat mints.