After Your Surgery
If you have had general anesthesia or sedation, our medical staff will care for you in our Recovery Care Unit until you have awakened fully from the anesthesia. The recovery period varies from person to person, but generally lasts 1 to 2 hours. Once in your patient suite, the surgeon will visit you to go over any questions you may have. Once you are cleared for discharge we will go over your discharge instructions and answer any last questions. Remember, for your safety, you will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home after your surgery. Please plan to have someone drive you to and from Lakewalk Surgery Center.
We will call you the next business day to see how you are recovering so please make sure that we have a correct number where you can be reached.
Post-op instructions may vary based on your surgeon, should you have any additional questions, please reach out to your physician office directly and they will assist.
Post-Op 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. There are toys and games to help keep your child entertained before surgery. A DVD player is also available. 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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