You will be given a time to report to the Cooper Surgery Center. Once you arrive, you will be admitted and final preparations for your surgery will begin. Your loved ones are welcome to remain with you until you go into the OR.
Before being taken into the OR, you and your loved ones will meet with the pre-operative nurse who will prepare you for your procedure. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist who will explain the type of anesthesia being used and what to expect after you wake up. It is important to let the anesthesiologist know if you or an immediate family member has had difficulty with anesthesia in the past.
Here are some helpful hints:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless your doctor tells you otherwise
- Do not smoke before your surgery
- Continue taking all of your prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you not to
- Bring a list of your medications with you
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off
- Do not wear makeup or use lotions, creams or perfume
- Do not wear contact lenses; your glasses will be given to your loved one to hold for you
- Remove all jewelry, including all piercings
- Bring your health insurance card(s), identification and co-pay
- Please do not bring any valuables, such as:
- Wallet, cash or credit cards
- Expensive clothing or handbags
- Watches and jewelry
Your loved ones will be given an identification number so they can track your progress on the Patient Tracking Board located in the Cooper Surgery Center waiting area. Once you are in the Recovery Unit and are ready for visitors, your loved ones will be able to come to the Recovery Unit and stay with you there until you are discharged.
Cooper’s highly trained staff will make sure you have everything you need to recuperate at home before you are discharged. A nurse will call you the day after your surgery to make sure you are okay and are progressing as expected.