A couple of days before your surgery the receptionist will call to let you know what time you need to arrive at the surgery center. We do our best to accommodate schedule requests however certain procedures and/or conditions require stricter scheduling requirements that will take priority.

• Take a shower or bath and wash your hair. Make sure to wash the planned surgical site. If you are having surgery on a leg or ankle, you will be asked not to shave for at least 3 days prior to surgery.
• Wear loose fitting clothes. Don't wear makeup, hairspray, perfume or nail polish.
• Leave all valuables at home including jewelry, credit cards, rings, and watches, but please remember to bring picture ID.
• If your child is having surgery, bring a favorite toy or blanket. You will also need to remain available in the waiting room the entire time your child is in surgery and the initial recovery phase.
• Bring crutches or walker, if applicable, to help you get from the car to your house. If you are new to using crutches, we can instruct you in how to use them safely.
• Bring your inhalers, diabetic supplies, portable C-PAP machine, and a case for your hearing aid, contact lens, or glasses.

Upon arrival at the surgery center:

• You'll be asked to read and sign a facility consent form. This is in addition to the consent form signed at the doctor's office.
• A Registered Nurse will take you to the admission room where you will change into a patient gown and be prepared for surgery; this will include starting an intravenous (IV) line for fluids and medication administration. You may be asked to remove contact lens, hearing aides or dentures.
• A family member may stay with you in the admission room, however small children will not be allowed in this room.

The amount of time you spend in the operating room will depend on the type of surgical procedure. You can ask your doctor in advance, at the pre op visit or in the admission room how long your surgery is anticipated to last. All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. The anesthesiologist will once again review your health history with you. This is your opportunity to discuss any concerns with the anesthesiologist. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the surgery center at 425-317-8535.

After surgery you will be taken to Phase I Recovery. A Registered Nurse will monitor your recovery, including your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and pain management. Pain medicine as well as nutrition will be administered while you are being monitored. You will remain here until you are awake, tolerating fluids, your pain is managed, and your vital signs are stable.

As your anesthesia wears off, you may find noises sound louder than normal. You may also have blurry vision, a dry mouth or chills. When you are awake and alert, you will leave Phase I Recovery and be brought to Phase II Recovery. In this area you will rest in a recliner, and your family and/or escort will be brought back to sit with you.

When you are ready to leave, you may still feel groggy and maybe even a little nauseated. Your nurse will go over discharge instructions with your escort/caregiver for home care. You will be escorted to your car. A responsible adult must be with you for the first 24 to 36 hours. A Registered Nurse will call you within a day or to see how you are doing and answer any questions you may have.

It can take up to 24 hours to recover from anesthesia. We strongly recommend you do not drive, use heavy machines or power tools, drink alcohol, be responsible for minor children, make big decisions or sign important papers during this time.