Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery, whether for an adult or child, can be a very stressful time. The staff at Florida Springs Surgery Center is focused on your safety and care.

Pre-Registration

Once your surgery has been scheduled, one of our Registered Nurses will contact you to review your past and present medical and surgical history. The nurse will also ask about all of the medications that you take on a daily basis including over the counter medications and herbal supplements. It is especially important to know your blood pressure, diabetic, and heart medications. The nurse will then review instructions about taking medications prior to your procedure and other important information you may need to know for your surgery.

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to have a few minor tests prior to your surgery to further assure the safest of outcomes for you. You will receive instructions for any tests from either the nurse or your surgeon’s office. The results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.

*Prior to the day of surgery, if there are any changes in your physical condition, please notify your surgeon’s office. The doctor may choose to postpone your surgery.

If you are having any anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you and stay at the surgery center, drive you home after your surgery, and stay with you overnight.

The Day Before Surgery

You will be contacted the day before your procedure to confirm your arrival time. Because preparing for surgery is very important to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important rules for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled. If you are having anesthesia/sedation:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before surgery (this includes: chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco).

  • Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgery (this includes: purses, money, jewelry, etc.), except ID and form of payment.

  • If possible, make arrangements for child care which will allow you to concentrate on your recovery.

  • You will be asked to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the time of your surgery.

  • If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take medication prior to arriving at the center.

  • If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before surgery (i.e. aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin).

  • If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery or are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at (352) 600-0220.

The Day of Surgery

The day of your procedure can be rather stressful. The information in this section is meant to help reduce your anxiety.

  • Bring the completed medication reconciliation form or your own list of all current medications (including vitamins & herbals) the dosage and frequency.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and simple shoes to make getting dressed after your surgery easy. Do not wear jewelry.

  • Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license for the admission process.

  • If you wear glasses or contacts, bring the appropriate case for them since they cannot be worn during your procedure.

  • There is an area with coffee, tea, and water available to those waiting for patients.

  • Escorts are expected, but not required, to remain in the building while the patient is in surgery. If you must step out, please tell the receptionist.

Once you have gone through the admitting process, where you will be asked for your insurance cards and driver’s license to verify information and sign forms, a pre-op nurse will take you to the patient care area.

While there, the nurse will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, and verify existing information with you. You will be asked to change into a patient gown and relax on a stretcher in the patient care area. The nurse will start an IV if ordered.

If you have dentures, you will be asked to remove them, if necessary—please bring a storage cup with you. Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You will be in pre-op for about an hour. After your surgery, you will be taken directly to the recovery room where you will again be monitored by nurses.

The Recovery Room

The length of time you will be in the recovery room is dependent on the procedure you had, the type of anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids. Your escort will be allowed in the recovery room with you when it is appropriate. You will be offered crackers and a light beverage.

Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your caregiver the instructions written by your physician which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.

Please note: Everyone reacts to surgery differently. In some cases, a patient may need to be admitted to the hospital following the surgery for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center.

When You Go Home

Please follow these instructions when you get home if you have had anesthesia/sedation:

  • You must have your caregiver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy.

  • Please rest and relax. Follow your doctors’ recommendations for resuming your normal activities.

  • Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.

  • Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.

  • Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

  • If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available, call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency.

The day after your surgery, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.

If Your Child is Having Surgery

Florida Springs Surgery Center is a child friendly facility. Our surgeons perform several different types of children’s surgeries each year. Our nursing staff has had many years of experience in caring for children and understand the impact surgery has on them.

To make their day, and yours, a little less stressful, we recommend the following:

  • If possible, arrangements should be made for the care of siblings. The child having surgery will need your full attention.

  • Encourage your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket.

  • If your child uses diapers, a pacifier, a bottle, or a “sippy” cup, please bring them along.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver will be asked to wear an identifying bracelet with the same information contained on the child’s bracelet. You may remove these once you are discharged from the facility.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver shall remain in the pre-op area with the child until the time of surgery.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver shall remain in the pre-op area with the child until the time of surgery.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver shall NOT leave the facility while child is having surgery.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver may be with the child during the recovery process as soon as Anesthesia/Recovery Room nurse determines it is appropriate.

  • Children over the age of 2 years may have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, unless otherwise instructed.