{"id":1873,"date":"2023-02-24T23:14:15","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T23:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/?page_id=1873"},"modified":"2026-02-19T21:17:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T21:17:30","slug":"preparing-for-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/?page_id=1873","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='av-layout-grid-1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-6xc5vl-bd5529cf8a7b622163a5ed2ee1aee87d entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first   container_wrap fullsize'  >\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lej58hjs-4cbfea11540c464c40c4f81e5664ee50\">\n.flex_cell.av-lej58hjs-4cbfea11540c464c40c4f81e5664ee50{\nvertical-align:middle;\nheight:500px;\nmin-height:500px;\nbackground:url(https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Berkeley_Before-Surgery.jpeg) 50% 50% no-repeat scroll ;\n}\n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-lej58hjs-4cbfea11540c464c40c4f81e5664ee50{\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-lej58hjs-4cbfea11540c464c40c4f81e5664ee50 av-gridrow-cell av_one_half no_margin  avia-builder-el-1  el_before_av_cell_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  content-align-middle av-zero-padding avia-full-stretch'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-5ye8dt-b8b5b85dfdb276bf16e20584d48970aa\">\n.flex_cell.av-5ye8dt-b8b5b85dfdb276bf16e20584d48970aa{\nvertical-align:middle;\nheight:500px;\nmin-height:500px;\nbackground-color:#178ccb;\n}\n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_cell.av-5ye8dt-b8b5b85dfdb276bf16e20584d48970aa{\npadding:80px 80px 80px 80px !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-5ye8dt-b8b5b85dfdb276bf16e20584d48970aa av-gridrow-cell av_one_half no_margin  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_cell_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  content-align-middle'  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881{\npadding-bottom:25px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\nfont-size:34px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:34px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lej5dkol-28c28e6801075fb6413f7ec69289c881 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-3  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first  av-inherit-size'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Preparing for Surgery<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lej5dqmb-17f0b8127f07dd522dd8ef19b8ad0ea2\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-lej5dqmb-17f0b8127f07dd522dd8ef19b8ad0ea2 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lej5dqmb-17f0b8127f07dd522dd8ef19b8ad0ea2 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div class=\"row content-hero\">\n<div class=\"columns m-column-hero-left l-column-hero-left content-hero-text\">\n<div class=\"content-hero-text-elments\">\n<p>A Pre-Assessment Nurse will call you prior to your surgery to review your health history.\u00a0 Reviewing your health history before the day of your procedure will reduce the chance of your procedure cancelling due to unforeseen risks.<\/p>\n<p>Please review the \u201cBefore Your Surgery Checklist\u201d to prevent any\u00a0delays or cancellations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-lej5eazu-e2010b8b610a0affb2d6051f9333483f-wrap avia-button-left  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><a href='https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/preparing-for-surgery\/#toggle-id-2'  class='avia-button av-lej5eazu-e2010b8b610a0affb2d6051f9333483f av-link-btn avia-icon_select-no avia-size-large avia-position-left avia-color-light'   aria-label=\"Before Your Surgery Checklist\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Before Your Surgery Checklist<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div id='after_grid_row_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-1873'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3hkscx-c36dc725bfbb6dd24db9aba4a02d477d av_one_half  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-lej5h21e-b38e947f1e23b648402405fdb425e05a '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Preparing for Surgery<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your surgeon\u2019s office will call you the day before your surgery, to tell you your arrival time and answer any questions. If you have not received a call by 4 p.m. the day before your surgery, please call us at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">510-756-1011<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A Health History Nurse will call you prior to your surgery to collect information about your health to expedite your admission process.<\/p>\n<p>It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delays or cancellations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-38qxgh-4b0a6609d1e192112bef20b73f328753 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><div  class='togglecontainer av-lej75q7l-3690d9987e0b32c7a1ba5494d7747005 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-9  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lej70p4j-91b598914117daa2de624d917a0ae3aa'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-1' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Pre-Register\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Pre-Register\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Pre-Register\">Pre-Register<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-1' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Registration is designed to be quick and easy and completing the form should take you 10-15 minutes. Please have your insurance information handy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lej75k0s-54e039b765766c1df18b6c1e466f3ce4'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-2' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Before Your Surgery Checklist\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Before Your Surgery Checklist\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Before Your Surgery Checklist\">Before Your Surgery Checklist<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-2' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>A Pre-Assessment Nurse will call you prior to your surgery to review your health history. Reviewing your health history before the day of your procedure will reduce the chance of your procedure cancelling due to unforeseen risks.<\/p>\n<p>It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent your procedure from being canceled or delayed.<\/p>\n<h3>What You Need The Day Of The Surgery:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Information To Bring:<\/strong> Insurance cards, photo ID, Medicare or Medical Assistance information, medication list including herbal and over-the-counter medications with dosages.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Driver:<\/strong> You must plan to have someone drive you home. Do not plan to use taxis or other public transportation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Escort:<\/strong> A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Guardian:<\/strong> A legal guardian must be in the center AT ALL TIMES for children and dependent adults.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interpreter:<\/strong> If the patient cannot read, speak English or if you use sign language, an interpreter will be provided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Makeup, Nail Polish, Jewelry (including body jewelry)<\/strong><br \/>\nPlease remove all these items before surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Clothing<\/strong><br \/>\nWear loose, casual, comfortable clothing to fit over dressings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Valuables<\/strong><br \/>\nPlease leave valuables at home.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lej75k0s-4-d64d4102e6347cacc59f7736029f53f8'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-3' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Special Needs Adults\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Special Needs Adults\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Special Needs Adults\">Special Needs Adults<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-3' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><strong>Special Care For Special Needs Adults<\/strong><br \/>\nWe understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. Besides the guidelines in the Before My Surgery and Day of Surgery, the following tips, will help make care for these adults easier:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consent<\/strong><br \/>\nThe legal guardian needs to sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For Admission<\/strong><br \/>\nPlease bring the patient\u2019s recent health history and medication information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal Attendant<\/strong><br \/>\nAs with other patients, special needs patients require a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult to remain at the center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant will be required to stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lej75k0s-2-34c90c73be423f438dcda39b1f31515b'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-4' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Anesthesia\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Anesthesia\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Anesthesia\">Anesthesia<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-4' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Berkeley Surgery Center provides monitored anesthesia care and moderate sedation. Your physician will discuss your options with you before your surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preoperative Interview<\/strong><br \/>\nYour anesthesiologist will interview you prior to the procedure. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have with your anesthesiologist.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In the Operating Room<\/strong><br \/>\nYour physical status is closely monitored. Vital functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing are managed. A member of the anesthesia care team will be with you throughout your procedure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recovery After Surgery<\/strong><br \/>\nYou will be taken to the post-anesthetic care unit, often called the recovery room. Your vital functions will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses. Medications to minimize postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are given as needed. Nausea and vomiting tend to be less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques although it still occurs quite often. When you are ready, you will be offered something to drink. A family member or friend may be allowed to be with you, and you will be assisted in getting up. Most patients are ready to go home 15- 30 minutes after surgery. Oral and written instructions will be given. You will also be given a telephone number to call if you have any concerns when you get home. In general, for the first 24 hours after your anesthesia:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do not drink alcohol or use nonprescription medication<\/li>\n<li>Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery<\/li>\n<li>Do not make important decisions<\/li>\n<li>You may not be left alone that first day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Be prepared to go home and continue your recovery there. Patients may experience drowsiness or minor side effects such as muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, and mild nausea. These usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery. Most patients do not feel up to their usual activities the next day. Plan to take it easy for a few days. The following day, you will be contacted to see how you feel and if there are any problems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lej75k0s-1-919d61b0c40779b1ccbb6da851f340df'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-5' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler  av-title-above '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Frequently Asked Questions\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-5' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><strong>Do I need to visit the Center before the surgery date?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>May I pre-register for my surgery?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. We strongly encourage you to have completed all the registration forms before the day of surgery. We prefer that you simply arrive the day of your surgery and be shown to your room rather than fill out pages of paperwork.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if I cannot make my appointment?<\/strong><br \/>\nPlease notify the surgeon and the Berkeley Surgery Center at <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">510-756-1011<\/span> as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should I wear?<\/strong><br \/>\nPlease wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up.\u00a0 Please remove all body piercings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why must I refrain from eating and\/or drinking prior to surgery?<\/strong><br \/>\nYou refrain from eating and\/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery, as some think.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who may accompany me?<\/strong><br \/>\nYou are welcome to bring one person to the Center. Please refrain from bringing young children as guests.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I be contacted before my surgery?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather information and hopefully answer any of your questions.\u00a0 You can also call the Center directly with any questions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should I do if I am not feeling well?<\/strong><br \/>\nIf you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should I do if I start my menstrual cycle?<\/strong><br \/>\nThis will not affect most surgical procedures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?<\/strong><br \/>\nIt is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.<\/p>\n<p><strong>May I drive home?<\/strong><br \/>\nAny patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. Patients receiving anesthesia will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if I have special needs?<\/strong><br \/>\nWe will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything to make your day easier.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Should I bring my special needs equipment?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bring a case for eyeglasses or contacts<\/li>\n<li>Bring insurance identification cards, driver\u2019s license, completed billing forms, copayments<\/li>\n<li>Your ride home\u00a0who will\u00a0care for you at home<\/li>\n<li>Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing<\/li>\n<li>Leave all jewelry and valuables at home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1873","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2350,"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1873\/revisions\/2350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkeleysurgery.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}