A member of our pre-admission nursing staff will personally call you one to two days prior to your procedure date to prepare you for your procedure. The following check list will help you to prepare for this call. (Please take a minute to go through the list and prepare your questions). If a Surgical Center of San Diego Nurse does not contact you 24 hours prior to your surgery please contact us at 858-750-4800.
It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.
Food and Drink
Do not drink or eat anything after 10:00 pm—not even coffee or water. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything.
If you are having only local sedation, you may have a light snack like toast or cereal the morning of your surgery.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol for at least 12 hours before your arrival.
Smoking/Tobacco
No smoking/tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
Makeup, Nail Polish, Jewelry (including body jewelry)
Please remove all these items before surgery.
Clothing
Wear loose, casual, comfortable clothing to fit over dressings.
Valuables
Please leave valuables at home.
Notify The Center & Your Surgeon If:
- You have an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting or diarrhea between your last visit to the surgeon and the day of your surgery.
- You suspect you may be pregnant.
- You are taking: diet pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or certain herbal medicines. You may need to stop taking these 1-2 weeks before your surgery. You can discuss this with your surgeon.
What You Need The Day Of The Surgery:
- Information To Bring: Insurance cards, photo ID, Medicare or Medical Assistance information, numbers and addresses.
- Driver: You must plan to have someone drive you home. Do not plan to use taxis or other public transportation. Your driver will be asked to come into the recovery area to take discharge instructions.
- Escort: A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
- Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must be in the center AT ALL TIMES for children and dependent adults.
- Care For Children: If you have young children at home for whom you normally care for, plan for someone else to care for them for at least the first 24 hours following your surgery.
- Interpreter: If the patient cannot read, speak English or use sign language, an interpreter is required. If you need assistance arranging for an interpreter, please contact the Scheduling department 858-750-4800 as soon as possible.