During Your Stay
Preparing for surgery can sometimes feel overwhelming and scary if you don’t know what to expect. Since knowing what to expect can help you feel less nervous, here’s some information that can help.
Transportation
We require that you arrange for a Responsible Adult Companion (RAC) to drive you to and from the Center. Once you reach the recovery room, pick-up instructions will be given to your RAC. The staff will notify them once the patient reaches the recovery room and then they will be able to pick you up at Cypress Ambulatory Surgery Center Patient Pick-up Area. The effects of the anesthesia and surgery will prohibit you from driving. Someone should also plan to stay with you for the first 12 hours after your procedure. For your safety, if you are unable to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you, your procedure will be canceled or rescheduled.
Check-In & Admission
Once you arrive in the parking lot, wait in the car and call the Center to complete your final COVID-19 questionnaire with a staff member. Proceed to the front desk to complete your registration. After checking in, you will be brought to a pre-op area where the nurse will review with you, your health information and prepare you for your procedure. Your family or escort will be asked to wait in the car. An Anesthesia provider will discuss your anesthesia plan with you and answer any questions. At the appropriate time, you will be moved to the procedure room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. You should be contacted before your procedure, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take.
If you use inhalers, please bring them with you on the day of your procedure.
Some medications will be stopped for the procedure, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the procedure. Many of these remedies may affect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention them when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
Your family or escort will be asked to wait in the car.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
The Anesthesia provider will discuss with you, the Anesthesia Plan of Care.