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The day before your surgery

Nurse on the telephone.

In the afternoon

An admissions nurse will call and tell you:

  • What time to arrive the day of surgery
  • When to stop eating and drinking 

In the evening

It is important to prepare your skin before surgery to reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site. It is also crucial to follow proper diet restrictions. Please be sure to do the following the evening before your surgery: 

  • Shower
  • Dress in clean night clothes
  • Follow dietary and tobacco restrictions

Dietary restrictions: 

  • You may eat freely up until midnight 
  • You may drink clear liquids (see below) up to 4 hours prior to your arrival at the hospital, and we encourage you to do so

Clear liquids include:

  • Water
  • Apple juice
  • Kool-Aid
  • Crystal Light
  • Soda
  • Black coffee (with or without sugar or sweetener) DO NOT add milk, cream, or non-dairy creamer
  • Tea (with or without sugar or sweetener) DO NOT add milk, cream, or non-dairy creamer

Clear liquids are NOT:

  • Milk
  • Orange juice
  • Broth
  • Tomato juice 
  • Jello
  • Gum or candy (with or without nicotine)
No smoking sign.

Tobacco restrictions (after midnight)

  • NO smoking of any substance 
  • NO chewing tobacco 
  • NO vaping or e-cigarettes
  • NO marijuana 
Next: The morning of your surgery