What to Expect

Pre-Admission

You are required to pre-admit with the hospital two-three days before your surgery. Your insurance information will be needed to pre-admit.

You can call the AM Unit (Pre-Operative Unit) at (562) 933-1030 for a pre-admission appointment. The AM Unit is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 6:00 AM to noon. During the pre-admission visit, a nurse will draw your blood, if required, answer your questions, and have you sign a surgical consent form. If your physician orders additional tests such as an EKG or x-ray, they will be done at this time. Allow two to three hours to complete the pre-admission process.

Instructions Before Surgery

Your surgeon's office will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital. This is usually two hours prior to your surgery time. Report to the MemorialCare Center for Women Surgical Center on the Second Floor. As you exit the elevators, turn right to the first window on your right and sign-in. As a general rule, the day before your surgery you should not eat or drink after midnight, but be aware that your doctor may have special instructions. Be sure to follow any specific instructions given to you by your surgeon or health team professional about your medications. Not following these instructions can result in the cancellation of your surgery. Contact your doctor if there are any changes to your health such as cold, fever, chills or other illness.

Things to Remember the Morning of Surgery

• Leave all valuables at home (for example, money, credit cards, cell phones)
• Do not wear any jewelry to the hospital (this includes your wedding ring)
• Do not wear any make-up – mascara, lipstick, nail polish, etc.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
• Remove glasses, contact lenses, dentures, or partial plates prior to surgery
• If you have a completed Advanced Directive, Power of Attorney for health, or a Living Will, please bring it to the hospital

What To Expect On Surgery Day

• After you sign-in on the Second Floor, a nurse will interview you and take your blood pressure and temperature
• After you’ve met with the nurse, you’ll change into your hospital gown
• Visitors are not allowed in the dressing/interview area
• One visitor will be allowed to stay with you while you are waiting for your surgery
• The preoperative area cannot be responsible for any valuables
• Children cannot be left alone on any floor or waiting room at the hospital

After Surgery

• Your surgeon will speak to your designated family member after the surgery, in the Second Floor waiting area (to the left of the main elevators)
• You cannot drive yourself home following a surgical procedure, so be sure to make transportation arrangements prior to the day of surgery