Getting ready for surgery can sometimes be an overwhelming and stressful experience, but understanding more about what will happen and taking steps to prepare may help you feel more at ease. 

No matter what type of procedure you’re having, it helps to have a little guidance through the process. Our entire surgery team is focused on ensuring your safety and providing optimum care at our hospital. 

Keep reading to learn how you can take an active role in preparing for your inpatient or outpatient procedure to ensure the whole process, including recovery, goes more smoothly.

On the day of your surgery

Food and drink: Keep drinking liquids until your bedtime so that you are not dehydrated before your surgery, but do not eat or drink anything after midnight or use items like mints, gum, or chewing tobacco.

Smoking: Cut back on your use of cigarettes as soon as possible before your surgery, if possible. Please do not smoke after midnight.

Getting dressed: Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, but remember you should not wear make-up, nail polish, or jewelry (including body piercings). You may wear your glasses or hearing aids to the hospital. If you wear contact lenses, don’t forget to bring your supplies to remove them before your surgery.

What to expect

Arrival: Prior to your procedure, you will pre-register with the hospital and speak with a pre-operative nurse who will answer your questions and provide specific information about preparing for your surgery.

During this period, you will also complete any preliminary tests ordered by your doctor, such as an EKG, X-ray, blood tests, etc. 

Preparation: If you are already registered, upon arrival at the hospital, you will report to the surgery waiting room. Our friendly surgery staff will welcome you to a private room and check your vital signs. Your family and friends may stay with you up until the time of your surgery. 

Before surgery: An anesthesiology provider will visit to discuss your anesthetic and answer your questions. Your surgeon will also check on you. When it’s time, our medical staff will transport you to the surgery room. 

After surgery: You will wake up in the recovery room. For approximately one hour, nurses will check your vital signs, dressings, and help make sure you are as comfortable as possible. They will ask you to breathe deeply, and you may wear an oxygen mask. During this period of recovery, your surgeon will speak with your family and friends in a private consultation room in the waiting area. 

If your surgery is outpatient, your doctor will provide appropriate discharge instructions when they feel it’s safe for you to go home. If you are an inpatient, our medical team will take you to your assigned hospital room and help you get into your bed. 

Recovery: Getting good rest is critical after your surgery. Pain and nausea medication will be available if needed. As soon as you are able, our staff will take steps to help you resume activity. Your doctor will regulate your diet during your stay to maximize your recovery. 

Your care team will provide postoperative discharge instructions to ensure you have a safe and effective recovery once you return home. Your pre-operative nurse will also be available to answer any questions you may have about your rights as a patient under Indiana law regarding decisions you make about your healthcare.

What to bring to the hospital

Here are items we recommend packing for inpatient stays after a surgical procedure:

  • Comb
  • Contact lens cases and supplies
  • Cosmetics
  • C-pap machines
  • Denture supplies
  • Deodorant
  • Glasses case
  • Hearing aid batteries
  • Inhalers
  • Lotion
  • Pajamas, robe, and slippers
  • Shaving supplies
  • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

Centralized surgical services

When you come to Logansport Memorial Hospital for any scheduled surgery, we make it easy. There’s only one place to go: the surgery waiting room in the lobby of the hospital. All surgery services may be accessed from this location, including:

  • Check-in the day of surgery
  • Inquiries from family and friends
  • Post-op care
  • Pre-op education
  • Pre-op testing
  • Surgery pre-registration

Find out the meaning of surgical terms and acronyms (pdf)