Preparing for Surgery

Things to Avoid

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Do not chew gum or eat mints. Your stomach must be empty to avoid potentially serious complications.

Do not use alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products (i.e., cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco or snuff) within 24 hours of surgery.

Do not take insulin or sugar pills the morning of your surgery if you have diabetes, unless instructed by the Anesthesia department.

Check with your physician about blood thinners. There are many procedures that cannot be performed if you are taking blood thinners, including aspirin. With some surgeries, fish oil and vitamin E can increase the chance of bleeding. In minor procedures, they are allowed.

If you take GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic & Trulicity, it is extremely important to discuss with your doctor when to stop these medications prior to your surgery. Regardless, if you take this medication for diabetes or weight loss, these medications cause a delay in emptying of stomach contents, which effects your ability to undergo anesthesia.

Things to Remember

Make arrangements in advance for a friend or family member to drive you home following your surgery. You will not be allowed to drive if you receive sedation or general anesthesia. Failure to make transportation arrangements may result in the cancellation of your surgery. For your safety, it is also a requirement to have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Do not come to the surgery center if you are running fever or have new onset of illness including, cold, sore throat, fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea or other illness. Call (601) 579-3400 to report.

Call your surgeon if you have a cut, abrasion, open sore or draining wound, rash or burn near the surgery site 24 hours before surgery.*

Notify Lowery A. Woodall Outpatient Surgery Center if you weigh more than 350 pounds.

*If you cannot reach your surgeon, report your illness to Lowery A. Woodall Outpatient Surgery Center staff by calling (601) 579-3400.

Additional Reminders

Do not wear jewelry. It may cause harm to your skin (possible burn if cautery is used) or may become damaged.
Do not wear metal hair ornaments. Do not pull your hair into a bun or pony tail on back of your head due to the potential for positioning discomfort during surgery.
Do not wear dark or chipped nail polish. Do not wear acrylic nails if your surgery is on the arm or leg.
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications for at least one week prior to your surgery, as they can increase your risk of bleeding. (Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin^®, Advil^®, Aleve^®, Nuprin^® and BC^® Powder.) These medications can increase your risk of bleeding. However, Tylenol^® is safe to use. If you are unsure of a medication, please ask your physician.
Notify your surgeon if you are taking any aspirin products, blood thinners, fluid pills or potassium.
Take your usual medication (except diabetic medications and blood thinners) the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Bring with you on the day of your surgery a list of your medications with time taken and dose. This includes over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements or the actual bottles of medications you take on a daily basis.
Bring a list of all allergies, including allergies to medications, latex, tape, metal, soap or foods.
Take any special pre-operative medication if prescribed by your surgeon. (This is not required by all surgeons.) Please follow the instructions on the package.
If you currently use a CPAP, clean it and bring it with you on the day of surgery. Also, it is important that you bring any CPAP supplies. You may leave these items in the car until otherwise instructed.
Shower with antibacterial soap, shampoo your hair and brush your teeth (do not swallow water or toothpaste) prior to admission. Do not use lotion the morning of surgery.
If you wear dentures or partials, do not glue them in place. We may ask that they be removed prior to surgery.
If you wear hearing aids, please wear them to ensure good communication with your team. Also, please bring the hearing aid storage case for removal and safekeeping prior to surgery.
You may wear make-up unless otherwise instructed by a surgeon.
Bring a case and any supplies for contact lenses. Contact lenses, including extended wear lenses, may need to be removed.
Dress comfortably – wear clothes that will fit easily and comfortably over your surgical area.
Get plenty of rest prior to your surgery.
Leave all valuables and jewelry, including wedding rings, watches, earrings and body piercings, at home. If worn, you will be asked to remove them prior to surgery.
Drink more fluids, such as water, sports drink or juice two to three days prior to surgery. Drinking these fluids can be beneficial during your recovery period.
Any person who is unable to sign for him or herself (persons under 18 years of age or of unsound mind) must be accompanied by a legal parent, guardian or person who holds power of attorney. Bring papers of proof regarding guardianship or power of attorney.
If your surgeon prescribed medications prior to surgery, we encourage you to get them filled before surgery.
Encourage visitors to bring a sweater or light jacket.
Encourage visitors not to bring outside food or food with a strong odor into the center.

Hand Hygiene

Infections can be prevented by appropriate hand hygiene. The following are some things to know about proper hand hygiene prior to your visit:

Hand hygiene is when we disinfect our hands either by washing with soap and water or using the alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Both are appropriate ways to clean our hands.

Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 15 seconds when they are visibly dirty or soiled with blood or other bodily materials or fluids.

An alcohol-based hand rub should be used if hands are not visibly soiled. This product is found in all patient rooms and procedure areas within the center. It is a waterless antiseptic gel that kills 99.99% of all disease-causing germs, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), within seconds and is preferred for use when hands are not dirty.

All team members who provide care for our patients are required to disinfect their hands with soap and water or use the gel when they enter and leave the patient’s room if they will be in contact with the patient or the patient’s environment.

We encourage our patients and visitors to practice good hand hygiene. For your protection, you need to wash or gel your hands as you enter our pre-surgical unit.