The Day of Your Surgery
Your visit at Lakewalk Surgery Center will start with our admitting area– you’ll meet with our friendly front office staff — they will confirm your scheduled surgery and insurance information. Please be sure to bring a valid ID and your insurance information.
Please Note: You may be asked to pre-pay a portion of your out-of-pocket expenses prior to or on the day of your surgery. If you have any questions email billers@lakewalk.com or call Lakewalk Surgery Center:
- Jody (B-I) 218-728-8551
- Gloria (J-O) 218-728-8501
- Tina (A, P-Z) 218-728-8552
Once all of the proper paperwork is filled out, our pre-operative staff will be made aware and you will be called back when it’s your turn. While in pre-op, you’ll meet your nurse and fill out any additional paperwork needed. You will then meet with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. This is a great time to ask questions — this is also the time medications and IVs will be started if needed for your specific procedure.
Before going to the operating room, you will likely meet with additional operating room personnel to verify additional information and prepare you for your procedure.
During Your Surgery
You may have a family member or friend wait in your room or in our waiting room during your surgery. They will also need to provide a cell phone number, which allows them to leave the facilities to do other activities, such as visit the nearby Rose Garden or historic Fitger’s if preferred. Our staff will contact them via cell phone when they may see you. Family members who leave the facility should stay in the immediate area and be able to return within 5 or 10 minutes when called.
Operative Requirements
When should I arrive for my surgery?
Patients should arrive one hour prior to their surgery.
Are there restrictions on what I ingest before surgery?
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, 8 hours prior to surgery. Your stomach must be empty. Do not chew gum, suck on candy or smoke. Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery. Do not take anti-inflammatories, vitamins or herbal medicines for 5 days prior to your surgery. (Examples include ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.)
Can I take my prescriptions prior to surgery?
Daily medications will be discussed during your pre-op phone call. Directions will be given about what meds to take with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic and use insulin, please ask your doctor about pre-surgery insulin dosage and bring your insulin with you. If you are unsure whether or not you can take a medication, please ask your doctor.
What hygiene steps do I need to take prior to surgery?
Please bathe or shower the evening before or the morning of your surgery with antibacterial soap. Do not wear makeup or jewelry on the area where you are having surgery. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and dentures may need to be removed and stored in proper containers before surgery. Please bring containers with you.
What do I do if I’m sick prior to surgery?
If you have a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness 24 hours prior to surgery, please call your doctor as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your doctor, please report your illness to our medical staff at Lakewalk Surgery Center.
Do I need to share allergies with my surgeon?
Yes. If you have any allergies to medications, latex, tape, soap or foods, please inform your doctor or Lakewalk Surgery Center beforehand.
Does Lakewalk honor living wills?
Advanced directives (living wills) are not honored at Lakewalk Surgery Center.
My child is having surgery. What are your policies?
Parents or guardians may stay with the child before and after surgery. Children may bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket into the operating and recovery rooms.
Any patient under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the operative consent form.
We recommend that two adults be available to take a child home after surgery, if possible. One person can give his or her full attention to caring for the child while the other drives. Please call Lakewalk Surgery Center with any questions. We want to make surgery as comfortable as possible for you and your child.
Duluth, MN 55805
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