Do I need to visit the Center before my procedure date?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your provider will advise where you will have this done.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the provider and the Center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Wear comfortable shoes, no heels or platform shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including removing body-piercing jewelry. Consider wearing you glasses instead of contact lenses. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to the procedure?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to the procedure in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your procedure as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before the procedure when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your procedure. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized, please reach out if you have no received specific instructions. Please review the Anesthesia paperwork and contact the center if you have questions. Please bring all list of your current medications, including supplements with you.
People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of the procedure.
Some medications will be stopped for the procedure, particularly diabetes medication, weight loss medications and blood thinners. You will receive specific instructions for these medications prior to the procedure. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the procedure. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before the procedure. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You will need to bring one person with you to the Center to drive you home. That person may sit with you after the procedure and receive your discharge instructions if you so choose.
Will I be contacted before my procedure?
Yes. We text each patient before the procedure with reminders. You may text back or call the Center with any questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesia provider.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact the center as soon as possible. Because this is an elective procedure, undergoing anesthesia while you’re sick can increase your risk. We’ll need details about any recent illness so we can determine whether it’s safe to move forward with your procedure.
What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect your procedure. Call us if you have any questions.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home.
We would strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
May I speak to my anesthesia provider before the procedure?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesia provider on the day of the procedure prior to entering the procedure room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesia provider before the day of the procedure, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesia provider. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire. You could also email your questions.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
What must I bring with me on the day of the procedure?
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Bring all medication
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All procedures and all anesthetics have risks, and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of procedure and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients seen in our center are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.
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