BHSH and its staff members are here to help you prepare for your surgery. Below are some general guidelines as to what to expect leading up to your surgery, during stay with us, and your recovery. If you have any questions that are not addressed below, feel free to call us and we will be happy to assist you.

1-2 Weeks Prior to Surgery

You will receive a call from our Patient Services department to complete a pre-surgery interview. To prepare for this call, please have the following ready:

• Complete medication list
• Any past surgeries you have had
• Any questions you may have

1-3 Business Days Prior to Surgery

A staff member at BHSH will call you to confirm your procedure and surgery date. They will give you your arrival time and your scheduled time of surgery. If you have not received a call by 4 p.m. the day before your surgery, please contact us at 721-4700.

The Day Before Your Surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. (The only exception is if you are directed to eat or drink by your doctor.) Food in your stomach can cause serious complications during surgery. Consequently, eating or drinking could cause your surgery to be canceled or postponed.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco 24 hours prior to your surgery.
• Remove nail polish before your surgery.
• Leave expensive jewelry and large amounts of money at home.

Notify Your Doctor or Healthcare Professional If…

• You are taking medication for high blood pressure, anticoagulant (blood thinning), diabetes or a nervous disorder.
• You develop a cold, fever, respiratory infection or other illness prior to surgery.
• Women should inform their surgeon if they think they may be pregnant.

Parents and Guardians of Minors Should…

• Be present with patient at arrival time to sign paperwork.
• Remain in the facility during their entire visit.
• Bring a copy of the guardianship papers if needed for the chart.

The Morning Of Your Surgery

• Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery as we ask you to not use hair spray, body lotion, or apply makeup (especially mascara or lipstick). If you shampoo your hair, be sure it is dry.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes. We will provide you with a gown, robe, and slippers.
• Plan to arrive promptly to allow adequate time for admission procedures.
• Bring a storage case for glasses, contact lenses, and/or a hearing aid.
• If you take medication on a daily basis, remember to bring it in the original bottle.
• Bring medical information such as insurance forms, medical cards, payment, and any pertinent test results.

When You Arrive For Your Surgery

• Plan to arrive at the surgery center on time as you need to fill out paperwork such as a surgical consent form.
• A member of the anesthesiology staff will visit with you to discuss the type of anesthesia you will be given. An adult member of your family or a friend may wait with you until your surgery begins.

Following Your Surgery

After surgery, your surgeon will inform you of what you need to eat and drink, your activity restrictions and medication instructions. Of course, if you have any questions regarding your postoperative recovery, you are encouraged to contact your surgeon.

For 24 hours after your surgery, adhere to the following:

• Do not drive, sign important papers, or make critical decisions.
• You must have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery.
• Do not operate machinery, power tools, or appliances.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Request Special Amenities

If you are scheduled to stay with us for any length of time, please use the form below to let us know if you would like any special amenities. We also invite you to bring your own pillow or any other items that will make your experience more comfortable.
If you have any further requests or questions, please contact our Guest Services team at [email protected] or (605) 721-4700 / 1 (800) 818-1890.

Preparing for Your Procedure: Download