Pre-Surgery Checklist

It’s natural to experience some feelings of uncertainty as you prepare for surgery. Our surgeons and care team want you to have the safest, most comfortable surgical experience possible. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What Do I Do Before Surgery?

We want to make your surgery as stress-free as possible. Here’s what you should know and do before surgery to help relieve some anxiety:

• Complete your pre-surgery consultation. If a nurse hasn’t called you within 48 hours of your surgery, call the hospital where your surgery is scheduled.
• Avoid tobacco, recreational drugs or alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
• Talk to your doctor about how to take your medications before surgery.
• If you have children, arrange for childcare while you’re at the hospital or surgery center.
• Arrange for someone to be at the hospital or surgery center during your procedure and to take you home after your surgery or hospital stay.
• Ask someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
• Check with your insurance provider if you have questions about your copayment or deductible.
• Call your doctor if you have symptoms of a cold, the flu, a rash or any other illness or infection.
• Don’t eat or drink at least 8 hours before your procedure, including water, gum and throat lozenges.

What to Bring to the Hospital

To make sure you’re as comfortable and prepared for surgery as possible, here’s what you should bring with you to the hospital:

• Your completed medication history form if you haven’t already given this information to a nurse during your pre-surgery consultation
• Current reports from medical tests, such as blood work, X-rays or EKG results, if you have them
• A list of any medications you take and their dosages
• Your health insurance card
• A photo ID
• Cash, check or credit card if you have an insurance copayment or deductible
• Glasses, dentures, hearing aids and their cases, if you use them
• Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), if you use them
• Robe and slippers, as well as toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, etc.), if you are staying overnight at the hospital. The hospital can also supply gowns, robes and slippers if needed.

What Do I Leave at Home?

To eliminate the risk of losing them, we recommend you leave valuables at home. These items include your wedding ring and other jewelry, and electronic items such as cellphones, tablets and laptops.

If you need to make an insurance copayment, have the person who brings you to the hospital keep your purse or wallet while you’re in surgery.

We want to make your surgery experience as seamless as possible. The expert staff at Banner Health is here to guide you through surgery, from beginning through recovery.