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Surgery Prep – Steps to Take

4 Steps to a Successful Surgical Procedure

Step 1: One to two weeks prior to Surgery

  • Stop all aspirin, ibuprofen and arthritis pain medications 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. (Please check with
  • Physician regarding all medications)
  • Stop smoking is recommended
  • Notify your doctor of any skin lesions near your surgical site.

Step 2: Five days prior to Surgery

Come to the admissions department to register and have any blood work/ labs and X-Rays needed before procedure. Bring a photo identification and your health insurance information

  • Bring any orders or labs the office may have given you.
  • If you routinely take a night does dose of insulin, please contact your primary care physician for direction.
  • Please notify your surgeon of any skin lesions or infections.

Step 3: Day Before

  • If you are taking Metformin (a diabetic drug)- do not take the day before surgery
  • You will be contacted by a pre-op nurse. If you have not spoken with her by the day prior to your surgery, please contact her at (423) 492-5534.
  • Nothing by Mouth after midnight

(This includes food, drink, all tobacco products including cigarettes, and gum)

Step 4: Day Surgery

  • Take any blood pressure, heart or seizure medications with a small sip of water first thing in the morning.
  • What to bring: good walking shoes, sweatpants, button up shirt
  • Arrive at the hospital at the time given by your physician’s office. If you have pre-registered, you can go directly to the Surgical Area. Proceed to elevators located near the cafeteria. Take second floor to Surgery.
  • The Waiting Area is directly across from the elevators as you get off on the second floor.
  • Check in with the Volunteer in the waiting Area in the Surgery Department (Elevator B to 2nd floor.)
  • If you have not pre-registered prior to surgery, your surgery may be delayed.

(You will need to arrive an additional hour early and follow Step 2.)