Surgery Guide

Pre-Arrival Hydration Guidelines

• Do NOT drink milk, milk products, creamers, or anything with pulp or fiber.
• Drink 12 oz of a sports drink, such as Gatorade (any color EXCEPT RED).
• Do NOT drink sugar-free sports drinks unless you are diabetic.

If you are Diabetic:

• Drink sugar-free Gatorade (any color EXCEPT RED).

When to Stop Drinking Liquids

• Most patients: 1 hour before arrival, unless otherwise instructed.
• Patients with a history of bariatric surgery/gastric motility issues: do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Cardiac surgery/C-section: 2 hours before arrival.
• Dialysis Patients: follow nephrologist fluid guidelines, clear liquids until 1 hour before arrival.

Clear liquids include: water (plain or flavored), Gatorade, iced tea, Crystal Light, apple or cranberry juice, black tea or coffee with sugar or sweetener.

Day of Surgery: Important Information

• Notify the surgeon if you get a cold, sore throat, cough, fever, rash, insect bite, or illness prior to surgery.
• Shower again with the antiseptic skin cleanser following the same instructions as before (above). Do not shave any body parts; this can increase your risk for infection.
• Do not put any lotion, powder, or perfume on your skin. Do not wear deodorant.
• Wear freshly laundered comfortable clothing.
• Leave all valuables at home. Do not wear jewelry or contact lenses. Bring reading glasses if needed.
• Free valet parking is available.
• Bring a copy of your living will/advanced directives to the hospital.
• If you have a copay, please bring a form of payment.

Proper Handwashing

1. Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists.
2. Wet your hands under warm running water and apply soap.
3. Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
4. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
5. Rinse well, and dry with a clean towel.

Wash your hands often.

If you do not see your provider wash their hands, please kindly ask them to do so.

Before You Are Discharged

Ensure you understand how to care for your incision. Have a family member or friend prepare your home for your arrival by changing the bed sheets, pillowcases and towels. Get any necessary contact information from your healthcare team in case you have any questions or concerns once you are home.

While At Home

• Always wash your hands before and after caring for your incision. Keep your incision clean and dry.
• No bath, pool, or hot tub. Cover before showering unless your surgeon telIs you otherwise.
• Take your antibiotics as prescribed. Do not miss a dose.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding lifting after surgery (e.g. children, groceries). Heavy lifting could cause a problem.

DO NOT …

• Allow anyone to touch your incision or dressing.
• Scrub, rub, or pick at your incision.
• Allow pets to jump on you or your bedding.
• Expose your incision to sunlight.
• Wear tight clothing against the incision.
• Smoke. It is bad for blood flow and surgical wound healing.

Warning Signs

There are a number of warning signs you should be aware of. If these signs are present, you may be developing an infection. Call your surgeon as soon as possible.

• Pus or drainage coming from your incision.
• Bad smell coming from the incision.
• There is worsening redness surrounding your incision.
• Your incision is painful/sore to the touch.
• You have a fever or chills.
• Your incision is hot to the touch.

Incentive Spirometer (Lung Exercises with Plastic Medical Device)

It is important to use your incentive spirometer as often as directed if your physician prescribed one for you after surgery. This simple device can help improve your breathing and prevent an infection in your lungs, such as pneumonia. To use this device, exhale completely but not forcefully. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth with teeth on the mouthpiece and lips sealed. Inhale slowly and deeply. Once you have inhaled as much as you can, hold your breath for at least 3 seconds, then slowly exhale. Your care team will let you know what your goal is to achieve maximal inspiratory volume.

Diabetic Patients

Check your blood sugar often. You may have more trouble controlling your blood sugar because you have trouble eating, are vomiting, stressed, less active than usual, or have pain and discomfort. After you leave the hospital, it is important for you to work with your surgeon to make sure your blood sugar continues to be well controlled. If you are having trouble controlling your blood sugar, you may be developing an infection.

Remember: Drink water, get quality sleep, don’t skip meals, and talk to your surgeon before drinking alcohol.

Nutrition: A Healthy Diet

Eating the right foods after surgery can lower the risk of infection, speed healing of the incisionand increase strength and energy. Here are some foods and nutrients you should focus on in your diet after surgery.

Fiber: constipation is common after surgery. Eat plenty of fiber, unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. Fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and oatmeal are great sources of natural fiber.

Protein: can help with strength and energy. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, pork, and seafood are excellent sources of protein. You can also get protein from eggs, nuts, beans, and tofu.

Surgical Drain Home Care

A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is used to remove fluid that builds up in an area of your body. You may have a stitch to hold it in place.

Changing Your Dressing: If you have a bandage on the drain, change it once a day. Change the dressing more often if it looks soiled. Wash your hands first, then loosen and gently remove the tape (discard in garbage). Use mild soap and water to cleanse the drain site. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Place a new bandage on the drain site, and tape it to your skin. Wash your hands when done.

To Milk The Drain: Grasp the drain where it exits the body. Secure the drain with the thumb and index finger on one hand while using the thumb and index finger on the other hand to pinch the tubing and move down the length of the drain to the reservoir. Milk the drain(s) every 2-3 hours when you are awake.

Emptying Your Drain Bulb: Thoroughly wash your hands. Note the color and volume of fluid that was collected. Remove the plug from the bulb. Empty the bulb into a toilet. Never rinse the bulb out. Clean the plug with alcohol. Squeeze the bulb while uncapped to release all the air inside. Keep the bulb flat, and replace the plug. The bulb should remain flat. Thoroughly wash your hands when done.