Arranging for Help Before and After

  • You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. This must be someone 18 years of age or older.
  • You will need a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

Home Preparation

  • Not applicable for GI patients.
  • Vacuum floors.
  • Dust all surfaces.
  • Change bed linen.
  • Clean tub, shower and bathroom surfaces using a product that contains bleach.
  • Change the air handling filter.

Pre-op Showering

  • Not applicable for GI patients.
  • Take 3 antibacterial showers. Shower the morning and night before surgery and the day of surgery.
  • Use an antibacterial soap or Hibiclens®. Lather the entire body and avoid the face.
  • Rinse well and dry off thoroughly using a clean, fresh towel each time you shower.
  • Shampoo hair if having surgery on the neck, head or face, preferably using Head & Shoulders or a dandruff control shampoo.
  • Do not apply hairspray, makeup, powders, lotion or creams. After showering the morning of surgery, wear freshly laundered clothing.
  • For eye or lid surgery, clean around the eye, lashes and lids with mild pH soap such as baby shampoo, Selsun Blue or a commercially available product for this purpose.
  • The presence of artificial nails increases the risk of post-operative infections. Please remove artificial nails to decrease your risk.
  • DO NOT SHAVE underarms, legs, face or other areas with a razor within three days prior to surgery, as this increases the risk of post-operative infections. If shaving is necessary, please use a hair removal cream or agent only.

What Not to Do

  • Do not wear loose fitting shoes without a back such as flip-flops or Crocs.
  • Do not wear any lotion or perfume.
  • Remove and leave all jewelry and body piercings at home. Any body piercing left in could result in a cancellation of your procedure.
  • Leave valuables at home.
  • Do not have gum, mints, cough drops or hard candy. If you do, it can result in your procedure being delayed or canceled.
  • Diabetic patients: Please follow your physician’s instructions regarding diabetic medications. DO NOT TAKE Specifically check your instructions when to stop taking GLUCOPHAGE or medications containing METFORMIN.

What to Bring

  • For admission, you must MUST bring your current insurance card(s) along with a valid state or federal issued photo ID.
  • Please bring a case for your glasses or contacts, as you will not be able to wear them during your procedure.
  • If you have asthma, or use an inhaler, please bring your inhaler with you.
  • If you use a CPAP/ BPAP device or portable oxygen, please bring it with you.

At the Center

  • Due to limited seating in our waiting rooms, there is a limit of 2 visitors per patient at FL Campus and 1 visitor per patient at GR Campus.
  • Please inform your physician or someone at Watson Clinic Surgery Center if you have any special communication needs prior to admission.
  • Watson Clinic Surgery Center is a smoke-free and tobacco-free facility.
  • Please notify our staff if you have any religious or cultural issues that would affect your healthcare.
  • Your arrival time will be given by your physician office or you will receive a call from Watson Clinic Surgery Center. Arrival times are not confirmed until the day prior to your procedure.

Eating and Drinking

  • Instructions for eating and drinking are given to you by your physician’s office and should be followed as instructed.
  • Ask your physician if you may have clear liquids.
    • The following are considered clear liquids: clear juices (apple), black coffee, tea, soda, water, Jell-o.
    • The following are not considered clear liquids: cream, citrus, milk, red or purple liquids, alcoholic beverages.

Notify Your Physician If…

  • You have experienced any health changes since your last visit.
  • You take any medications including aspirin, blood thinners, herbs, vitamins or any over-the-counter products.
  • You have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator.