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General Pre-Operative Instructions

Below are general pre-operative instructions. You will also be provided with pre-operative instructions specific to the procedure you are having. Please follow all pre-operative instructions you are given very carefully. They are for your safety. If instructions are not followed, your surgery may be canceled.

If you have any questions or concerns, or require clarification about anything regarding your post-op care, please contact us.

General Guidelines

Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Increase your water intake.

If you develop a cold, sore throat, fever or any other illness prior to your surgery date, contact us. Cold and flu can increase respiratory risks and your surgery may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

Discontinue use of alcohol at least 24 hours before surgery as it increases bleeding.

If you smoke, you will need to stop before surgery.

If you use medical or recreational marijuana, you will need to cease smoking at least one week before surgery. Vaping and edibles are OK, but please let us know if you are consuming marijuana as it can affect anesthesia.

Make your recovery time as hassle-free as possible! Making preparations in advance will help you have a more successful recuperation.

  • Prepare meals in advance and freeze in single portions.
  • Stock up on “comfort foods” that are easily prepared.
  • Pre-arrange for family or friends to assist with food, errands, and driving you to your post-op appointments.

Pre-Surgical Testing

You may need to have specific laboratory/diagnostic testing or medical clearance documentation from your primary provider prior to surgery. These tests may include blood work, X-rays, EKG, and mammogram. You will be advised of any required tests during your consultation.

Medications and Supplements

Discontinue taking hormones (except spironolactone) for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.

Your medications will be discussed in detail during your pre-operative consultation. Please bring all bottles of prescription medications, vitamins, herbs, or supplements that you are taking to your pre-operative consultation.

You will be asked to stop taking certain medications and supplements at least one week before surgery, because these can increase the risk of bleeding and negatively affect how you heal.

Necessary medications such as anti-hypertensive, cardiac, seizure, and asthma medications can be taken with sips of water.

If you have diabetes and take insulin or another diabetes medicine, you will be instructed on how to adjust your dosage before surgery.

Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should be discontinued 1 week prior to surgery.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be discontinued 4 days prior to surgery.

Warfarin is usually discontinued 3 days prior to surgery.

Your primary care physician may be consulted to be sure it is safe to discontinue medications.

Tylenol is normally acceptable to take before surgery.

Blood Donation

If there is a possibility you will need blood during your operation, blood donation may be discussed. If you elect to donate your own blood, you will be told where and when you can donate.

The Day Before Surgery

Eat a normal meal for dinner and drink plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of water or juice.

Fasting

IMPORTANT: Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes chewing gum and candy. You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water. Food and fluids in your system increase the risk of nausea and vomiting post-operatively, and there is the risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration, which can have very serious consequences.

Patients having Vaginoplasty, Hysterectomy, Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty will need to do a bowel prep the day before surgery, which requires a diet consisting of clear liquids only the day before surgery.

Please follow the shower guidelines that have been provided.

Please contact our office to confirm your arrival time.

What to Bring With You

Pack lightly.

Leave valuables at home, including jewelry. Body piercing need to be removed.
If you wear contact lenses, leave them at home and wear glasses instead or bring a case and solution to store your lenses in. Contact lenses and dentures cannot be worn into the operating room.

Bring the following items with you to the surgicenter:

  • The legal ID you used when scheduling surgery with your doctor, and health insurance card, if applicable.
  • Any forms that you have been asked to complete before surgery.
  • Loose, comfortable clothing for when you are discharged.
  • CPAP Machine and mask for those with sleep apnea.
  • List of any allergies you have and medications and supplements that you are taking.

What to Expect At the Hospital

One family member or friend may accompany you during the admission process.

Before your scheduled surgery time, you will meet with Dr. Rumer and the anesthesiologist to ask questions and address any concerns you might have.

Anesthesia
General anesthesia interrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, causing unconsciousness. Under general anesthesia, the brain does not receive or interpret any pain signals from the rest of the body. Breathing is assisted by mask ventilation, laryngeal mask airway (LMA), or endotracheal intubation. Some patients experience nausea and vomiting as the anesthetic wears off.

You may be instructed to meet with someone from the anesthesia department prior to the date of your surgery.

The Day of Surgery

Do not to apply makeup, lotions, perfumes, or powders the day of surgery.

Remove all piercings.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

Please arrive at the surgicenter early. Feeling anxious before surgery is normal. Bring something to read or otherwise occupy yourself with to help relieve anxiety.

If you have any concerns, please just let us know. Dr. Rumer and her team are here to support you!