How to get ready for your surgery
Here’s a general overview of what you can do to prepare for surgery:
Make healthy choices
The choices you make now can affect your healing and risk for surgical complications. As your surgery date nears:
- Limit germ exposure: Stay away from large crowds of people and anyone who is sick. Call your surgeon’s office if you feel sick or have a fever the day before or the day of your surgery.
- Eat healthy foods: Choose whole foods over processed whenever possible. A healthy diet can help your incision heal faster.
- Manage chronic conditions: If you have a chronic medical condition, it is important to work with your doctor to manage your health before surgery. For example, uncontrolled blood sugar due to diabetes could lead to surgical complications. Our Community Care Teams are available to help people manage chronic conditions.
- Stop smoking: If you smoke cigarettes, stop smoking the day before surgery. We can help if you want to stop smoking permanently.
Pre-surgery personal care
Your surgeon’s office will let you know the specific steps you should take (such as using a specific antibacterial soap).
Common instructions pertain to:
- Showering or shaving: Keeping your skin clean can help prevent an infection. You may be asked to shower the night before your surgery or to not shower or shave any part of your body the day of surgery.
- Lotions and makeup: Avoid putting on lotion, makeup or perfume the day of surgery. Remove nail polish if your surgery is on your arm or leg.
- Jewelry and hair accessories: For your safety, we ask that you remove all jewelry, including wedding bands and body piercings, and hair pins before arriving for your procedure.
What to pack for surgery
When you’re getting ready to head to your surgery location, pack these items:
- Identifying information: Bring a valid photo ID and any health documents you may need. This includes your health insurance card, a copy of your living will and your pharmacy card.
- List of medications: Make a list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) as well as vitamins and supplements you are taking. Bring this list (not the actual medications) with you the day of your surgery.
- Protective cases: If you wear contact lenses, eye glasses or dentures, bring a case for each with you. You will not be allowed to wear them during surgery.
- Hearing aids: If you use hearing aids, wear them to the hospital and bring your case. Your care team will remove your hearing aids right before surgery.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is not responsible for lost items. Please leave valuable items such as cash or valuable jewelry at home.
Caregiving support
Unless your care team tells you otherwise, please plan to have a friend or loved one drive you to and from the surgery.
For children under 18, we require a parent or legal guardian to stay with the child before and during surgery.
