About Your Surgery

Thanks for choosing Fairway Medical for your surgery. We have put together this quick reference guide to help you prepare for your surgery, from what to bring to the hospital to what to expect when you go home. We hope you will find this information helpful; however, it is not intended to replace specific instructions from your physician. Please check with your physician if you have any specific questions.

Scheduling Your Surgery

  • If you require surgery, request that your physician use Fairway Medical. Check our Medical Staff Listing for physicians who have privileges to perform surgery at Fairway Medical.
  • Once your physician has discussed your surgery with you and scheduled it with us, you will receive a packet from the doctor’s office. Please read all the information carefully. Should you have any question regarding Fairway Medical, please call us at (985) 809-9888.
  • If you develop any changes in your physical condition such as a cold, sore throat, fever or rash, please notify your surgeon.

The Night Before Your Surgery

  • Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight before the surgery unless your anesthesiologist has given you special instructions stating otherwise. This includes water, coffee, gum, candy, ice or vitamins. This is very important for your safety and, if not followed, your procedure may have to be delayed or rescheduled. If your child is having surgery, your anesthesiologist will discuss special feeding instructions. If you are taking medications, notify your anesthesiologist and he/she will give you instruction on what to do.
  • Confirm arrangements for a family member or friend to wait at the surgery center during your surgery.

The Morning of Your Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything in the morning, unless you have been given instructions otherwise.
  • Do bring your insurance card.
  • Do bring any written orders or paperwork from your doctor.
  • Do wear comfortable clothing.
  • Do leave any valuables at home.
  • Do bring slippers.
  • Do bring a family member or friend who can wait during surgery.
  • Your anesthesiologist will discuss your procedure and what to expect before, during and after your surgery, and answer any other questions you might have.

After Your Surgery

  • You will rest in our recovery room under the care of specially trained nurses.
  • Your anesthesiologist will monitor your condition.
  • Your physician will discuss your operation with your family members. As soon as your nurse and anesthesiologist have finished all of their assessments, our concierge will notify your family member(s) and one visitor at a time can be escorted to the recovery area.
  • You may be sleepy or dizzy after your surgery. You must have a responsible adult with you to drive you home.
  • Nurses and physicians will answer your questions and give you instructions. You will receive a written copy of these instructions. Please follow them carefully.
  • Be prepared to go home and finish your recovery there.
  • We recommend that someone stay with you the first night after surgery.
  • Do not make any important decisions, drive, or operate machinery for 24 hours after your surgery.

When You Get Home

  • Patients often experience minor after-effects following anesthesia, such as drowsiness, muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, or dizziness. Nausea may also be present, but vomiting is less common. These side effects decline rapidly in the hours following surgery, but may take several days before they are gone completely. The majority of patients do not feel up to their typical activities the next day, usually due to tiredness or surgical discomfort. Plan to take it easy for a few days until you feel back to normal.
  • Notify your surgeon if you have questions about what you can and cannot do, when you can return to work, and how active you can be.
  • A Fairway Medical nurse will contact you at home to check on your progress in the days following your surgery.
  • Finally, we hope we have made your surgery experience as convenient and comfortable as possible.