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Pre-Operative Instructions – General

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The following instructions should be followed closely except when overruled by specific procedural instructions.

Two Weeks Prior to Surgery

  1. NO ASPIRIN or medicines that contain aspirin* since it interferes with normal blood clotting.
  2. NO IBUPROFEN or medicines contain ibuprofen* as it interferes with blood clotting.
  3. Please discontinue all herbal medications* as many have side effects that could complicate a surgical procedure by inhibiting blood clotting, affecting blood pressure, or interfering with anesthetics.
  4. Please discontinue all diet pills whether prescription, over-the-counter or herbal as many will interfere with anesthesia and can cause cardiovascular concerns.
  5. No “megadoses” of vitamin E, but a multiple vitamin that contains E is just fine.
  6. NO SMOKING because nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause significant complications during healing.
  7. You may take Tylenol or generic forms of this drug. These do not interfere with blood clotting or healing.
  8. Start taking a multivitamin each day and continue taking through your recovery. The healthier you are, the quicker your recovery will be.

* See Medications to Avoid for a detailed list.

One Week Prior to Surgery

  1. DO NOT take or drink any alcohol or drugs for one week prior to surgery and one week after surgery as these can interfere with anesthesia and affect blood clotting.
  2. If your skin tolerates, use a germ-inhibiting soap for bathing, such as Dial, Safeguard, or Lever 2000 for at least the week before surgery.
  3. DO report any signs of cold, infection, boils, or pustules appearing before surgery.
  4. DO NOT take any cough or cold medications without permission.
  5. DO arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the facility on the day or surgery, since you will not be allowed to leave on your own.
  6. DO arrange for a responsible individual to spend the first 24 hours with you, since you CANNOT be left alone.

Night Before Surgery & Morning of Surgery:

  1. DO NOT eat or drink anything (not even water) after midnight the night before your surgery. Also, no gum, candy, mints or coffee the morning of surgery. Do not sneak anything as this may endanger you.
  2. If you are on regular medications, please clear these with Doctor.
  3. DO take a thorough shower with your germ-inhibiting soap the night before and the morning of surgery. Shampoo your hair the morning of surgery. This is to decrease the bacteria on the skin and thereby decrease the risk of infection.
  4. DO NOT apply any of the following to your skin, hair or face the morning of surgery: makeup, creams, lotions, hair gels, sprays, perfumes, powder, or deodorant. Using any of these products will add bacteria to the skin and increase the risk of infection.
  5. You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery but do not drink anything.
  6. DO NOT wear contacts to surgery. If you do wear glasses, bring your eyeglass case.
  7. DO wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that do not have to be put on over your head. The best thing to wear home is a button-up top and pull on pants. You will want easy-to-slip-on flat shoes.
  8. DO NOT bring any valuables or wear any jewelry (no rings, earrings, chains, toe rings, other metal piercings or watches). We will need to tape wedding rings if worn.
  9. You must have an adult drive for you – to and from surgery. Please note that a cab or bus driver will not be allowed to take you home after surgery. On arrival, be sure we know your driver’s name, phone numbers, and how we will be able to reach them.
  10. If you are not recovering at home, it is very important that we have the number where you will be after surgery.

Nutrition Plan to Prepare Your Body for Surgery

Studies show that eating and drinking certain types of foods before and after your surgery may make your recovery easier. Eating high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods in the few weeks before surgery can help give your body the fuel it needs to heal after surgery. Immunonutrition drinks add special types of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) that may improve your healing.

Please remember that you should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery. This is an important requirement for your safety!

Following this nutrition plan may also help you by:

  • Making you feel less thirsty and hungry before and after your surgery
  • Improving your blood glucose (blood sugar) control after surgery
  • Helping your intestines return to normal function more quickly after surgery

Protein Nutrition

Pre Surgery Diet

Eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet starting 2 to 4 weeks before your surgery.
Protein is a nutrient needed for normal growth, wound healing and fighting infections. If you are not eating enough protein, it will be harder for your skin to heal. It is also important to eat a balanced diet with healthy food choices and enough calories to meet your needs. Remember to:

  • Eat enough protein to help repair and build new skin tissue after surgery.
  • Eat enough calories to prevent protein from being used as energy instead of for tissue building.
  • Eat enough calories and protein to reach and maintain your goal weight.

Healthy diet tips

  • You do not always have to eat 3 large meals. You may prefer to eat smaller meals more often. Try eating 6 times a day or every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Stay well hydrated with water, unsweetened drinks, 100% fruit juice or milk.
  • If you have other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney

disease, follow your physician’s advice about special diet restrictions.

Protein-rich snack ideas

Snacks are a great way to increase protein in your diet. Here are some healthy snack ideas:

  • Nuts
  • Trail mix
  • Greek yogurt
  • Hard-boiled egg
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Edamame (soybeans)
  • Almond butter and apple slices
  • Hummus with fresh vegetables
  • Cottage cheese and fresh fruit
  • Turkey and cheese tortilla roll-up
  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Nut butter and sliced banana on a rice cake