Planning for Your Surgery

General Medical Check-up

For patients with a history of certain medical conditions or with a significant medical history, a visit to a primary care physician is highly recommended. In addition, our practice will have you see one of our nurse practitioners to perform a complete pre-operative examination. Clearance for surgery occurs only when both your primary care provider and our nurse practitioner approve you to have the surgical procedure.

Blood Thinners

If you are on Coumadin or any other blood thinners, please work with you primary care provider to come up with a plan to discontinue them. You may need bridging therapy with alternative medication (Lovenox, Heparin, etc.) during the period that you are off your regular blood thinner. Your primary care provider will provide you with further instructions. Please stop taking aspirin at least 1 week before your operation.

Herbal Supplements/Weight loss products

The use of any weight loss products or herbal supplements must be discontinued 1 week prior to surgery. These products can interfere with bleeding control and anesthetic medications.

The Night Before Surgery

You should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This is essential for the anesthesia team to safely put you to sleep for the procedure and prevent the risk of aspiration.

The Boston Medical Center will call you the day before your surgery to let you know what time you need to arrive. Please arrive two hours before your scheduled surgery time. If you do not receive a phone call, please call my office and someone will provide you with the time to arrive for surgery. My office number is .