Preparing For Surgery

In many cases, there will be food intake or dietary restrictions for a period of time prior to your surgery or procedure. For colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and endoscopies, there will be additional instructions on how to prepare specifically for those procedures that your physician will provide.

For procedures that involve sedatives or anesthetics, please plan to have a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure. You will feel alert by the time you are ready to leave, but you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day, and you will be given instructions on how soon you may eat, drink, and resume your normal activities. In some surgical cases, you may need a caregiver for up to 24 hours after the surgery.