In addition to any instructions given to you by your doctor, the following items must be noted:

You must not eat, drink, or smoke anything (including water, gum or mints) after midnight (12 AM CST) on the day of your surgery.

If you are taking prescribed medications, check with your physician to see if you should continue to take them (with a small sip of water) on or before the day of surgery.

Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home after the surgery. Under no circumstances will a patient be allowed to leave our care without a responsible adult to drive home.

Arrange to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours following your surgery.

Questions? Please contact your clinical team. We are here to help.

Your care team will inform you what time you should arrive and what time your surgery is scheduled for. Chicago traffic can be unpredictable, so it is best to give you some additional time in your commute.

Please bring a photo ID and a copy of all of your insurance cards with you on the day of surgery. Once you arrive, please proceed to our reception desk.

Our administrative staff will welcome you and your family and friends in our spacious waiting room until it is time for you to prepare for surgery. WiFi is available in the waiting area for internet access.

Once admitted, you will proceed to your private room and be asked to change. Although you will be given a space to protect your clothing and personal belongings, it’s always best to leave jewelry and items of value at home.

Prior to surgery please remove all makeup, nail polish, hairpins, wigs, false eyelashes, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures (full or partial). Please bring in a container from home to store these items.

Your nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure and pulse and ask you a few questions regarding your health.

Prior to surgery, your anesthesiologist will explain to you the anesthesia your physician has chosen for your procedure.

Following surgery, our team of nurses will monitor you closely throughout the recovery phase. A family member or and caregiver may join you in the recovery area. Typically, you will be kept in the recovery area for ninety minutes following surgery. Our nursing staff will provide you with your physician’s instructions prior to your discharge. It is important that you follow all of these instructions.

Prior to the day of surgery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. We will be happy to call the individual when you are ready to be discharged home. Under no circumstances will a patient be allowed to leave our care without a responsible adult to drive home.

Arrange to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours following your surgery.

Do not take medications other than those prescribed by your doctor(s) following surgery and listed on your Medication Reconciliation sheet. This includes tranquilizers and nonprescription, over the counter medications.

Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume taking your usual medications.

Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours following surgery.

Do not drive for 24 hours following your surgery.

Follow your discharge instructions carefully.

Our nurse will call you the day after surgery to ask how you are doing.

If you have any questions, please contact your clinical team. We are here to help.

Get plenty of rest following your surgery, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of recovering in your own home.