Preparing For Your Procedure

Pre-Admission Phone Call and Nurse Assessment

You will receive a phone call from a registered nurse approximately five to seven days before your scheduled procedure. The nurse will review your past medical and surgical history, medication, and allergies. The nurse will also instruct you regarding the time you should plan to arrive, the approximate time of your procedure, and what medications should be taken the day of surgery prior to your arrival. We gather as much information in advance to make the day of your procedure less stressful. The call also aids our employees in being fully prepared to care for you. If you would prefer to contact the nurse directly, please call 616-685-3983, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Pre-Admission Testing

Your surgeon or anesthesiologist may want you to have lab work or tests performed before the day of surgery. Your surgeon may also request that you see your primary care physician or cardiologist for a surgical clearance appointment. Please complete all tests or appointments at least one week before your scheduled procedure. That way, we’ll have all the information we need before you arrive.

Eating/Drinking/Smoking

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your scheduled procedure, unless given direction by your physician or our phone nurse. This includes no water, food, gum, candy, lozenges or chewing tobacco. Failure to follow these instructions may result in temporary cancellation of the surgery. We encourage you to avoid smoking preoperatively to decrease risk of postoperative complications. If you are told that you may have clear liquids at any point in the surgical preparation, these include:

• Water
• Apple, cranberry, and grape juice
• Coffee or tea WITHOUT cream / milk
• Jell-O without toppings or added fruit
• Popsicles
• Clear pop / soda (Sprite, 7-Up, Ginger Ale)
• Sports Drinks or Gatorade

Medications

Please consult your surgeon or the pre-op phone nurse concerning your instructions on the use of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements prior to your surgery.  We may require you to hold some medications / supplements / vitamins prior to surgery or on the day of surgery.  It is essential that we are aware of all your medications or supplements including those taken on an as needed basis. Having a full medication list available when you speak with the phone nurse is helpful. If you have an inhaler, please bring it with you on the day of surgery. Otherwise, do not bring your actual medications with you unless you are instructed to do so.

Personal Preparation

You may shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of your surgical procedure. Avoid wearing cosmetics – especially eye make-up. Hair clips and barrettes with metal should not be worn. Plastic hair clips and rubber bands for longer hair are fine. We ask that your nails be in their natural state – please do not wear nail polish, Shellac polish, or artificial nails. Please do not shave your surgical site prior to your arrival. If you are having surgery on a hand, wrist, arm or shoulder, you must remove all rings due to potential swelling.

Bring insurance cards, driver’s license or photo ID, anticipated patient balance on account (deductible, copayment, coinsurance) and completed billing forms if applicable.

A parent / legal guardian will need to accompany patients under 18 years of age. All patients must be accompanied by a responsible adult for transportation. You are limited to two (2) visitors in the patient care areas.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Leave all jewelry (including body piercings), excess cash, electronics, or other items of value at home. Upon arrival to Southwest Surgical Center, your personal belongings may be put in a locker or held by your family during your stay. Southwest Surgical Center is not responsible for lost items.

Bring inhalers, case for eyeglasses or contacts, dentures, and CPAP machine if applicable.

Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for the next 24 hours.