PRE-OP Instructions

BEFORE SURGERY

• Do not eat or drink after midnight unless otherwise directed
• Shower and use cleaning wipes (if provided) as instructed
• Take medications as instructed by nurse who calls you the day before surgery
• Bring unrefrigerated medications with you
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory products (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) for at least 7 days prior to surgery. Notify your surgeon if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
• Do not bring any jewelry, money or valuables with you to the hospital. The hospital is not responsible for lost belongings.
• If you are going home after surgery, please arrange your transportation ahead of time. You may not drive yourself home.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

• Check in at Admitting
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and your vitals will be taken
• A nurse will start an IV to prepare you for surgery
• You may have a friend of family member wait with you until you go into surgery
• Prior to surgery you will speak with your operating room nurse, anesthesiologist and surgeon.
• After speaking with them, you may receive medication to relax you prior to proceeding into the operating room.

DURING SURGERY

• Your friends or family members will be directed to the surgery waiting room.
• When your surgery is finished the surgeon will come to the waiting room to meet with your family or friends.

AFTER SURGERY

• You will be in the recovery area until you are awake, alert and responsive.
• Your stay in the recovery room will be approximately 1-2 hours.
• You will be monitored closely by a nurse to ensure your comfort and safety.
• When ready you will be transferred to your hospital bed or discharged home.
• If you are going home same day you will be wheeled out of the hospital to your transportation at the main entrance of hospital
• Deep breathing is important after to surgery to oxygenate your lungs.
• For your diet following surgery, begin with clear liquids and add food as your doctor has instructed.
• It is important after to surgery to turn in bed, move your legs and try to be mobile to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
• It is important to elevate the area operated to at or above the level of your heart to prevent and/or improve swelling.
• Unless otherwise instructed, you may apply ice or cold pack to the affected area.

*Parking is limited at Ventura County Medical Center. Please plan to arrive early to allow ample time for parking and registration.*

Please enter through the entrance on 300 Hillmont Ave.

Ventura County Medical Center has a complimentary Shuttle Service available to all patients, visitors and staff from 6:30am until 9:00pm Monday through Friday. They provide door to door service and can be reached at 805-218-0238 or 805-218-3992. They travel to key points of the campus routinely for easy access.