Breathe! Now that surgery is scheduled and you have your booklet (make sure
you get your booklet and Pre-Register with the hospital), there are a couple of
things you must do for the process to run smoothly.
At your appointment before your surgery, your Dr. WeirCox will go over the
instructions you should follow before the surgery.

Before Surgery
  • Please arrive 2 hours before the procedure start time.

  • One week before surgery do not take any anti-inflammatory medicines,
    including aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), and naproxen (Aleve).
    These medicines can make it harder for your blood to clot. You may take
    acetaminophen for pain.  Anti-platlet medications should not be taken for
    1week prior to surgery including Clopidgorel (Plavix) and Ticlopidine (Ticlid).  
    These medicines also make it hard for your blood to clot.  Coumadin should be
    stopped 3 – 7days before surgery depending on the surgery you are having.

  • Do not smoke 24 to 48 hours before your procedure.

  • If you need to have any lab tests or x-rays before surgery, have them done at
    least 2 days before the day you have surgery. Bring your x-rays or test results
    with you.

  • The evening before surgery have a normal meal. Do not drink any alcohol.

  • After midnight the night before surgery do not eat or drink anything,
    including:
  • water
  • food
  • chewing gum
  • candy

  • If you take medicines daily, ask your health care provider when you should
    take your last dose before surgery.

Anesthesia & Medications
Anesthesiologists recommend discontinuing several medications prior to surgery
because of interactions with anesthesia.  Please check the list below and if you are
taking one of these medications, do not take it for the recommended time prior to
your surgery.  You may resume the medication after your surgery:

Medication                                                    Recommended time to discontinue
  • Benzphentamine (Didrex)                                            1 week
  • Phentermine (Adipex-P, Inoamin)                                1 week
  • Sibutramine (Meridia)                                                   2-3 weeks
  • Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Dosepan)                             2-3 days
  • Phendimetrazine (Melfiat, Prelu-2, Bontril PDM, Bontril Slow Release)  2-4 days

Anesthesia & Supplements
Anesthesiologists also recommend discontinuing several herbal supplements prior to
surgery because of interactions with anesthesia.  Please check the list below and if
you are taking one of these herbal supplements, do not take it for the recommended
time prior to your surgery.  You may resume the herbal supplement after your
surgery:

Medication                                                  Recommended time to discontinue
  • Ephedra                                                    > 24hrs
  • Garlic                                                         > 7 days
  • Gingko                                                       > 36hrs
  • Ginseng                                                     > 7 days
  • Kava Kava                                                 > 24hrs
  • St. John’s Wort                                          > 5 days

  • On the morning of your surgery, take a bath or shower.

  • Do not bring valuables such as jewelry or money.

  • Do not put on makeup, nail polish, acrylic nails, lotion, deodorant, or
    antiperspirant on the morning of your surgery.

  • Wear comfortable clothes. Wear your eyeglasses or hearing aides if you have
    them.

  • Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery if you
    expect to go home the same day as your surgery. Do not drive a car or
    operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.

  • Make arrangements to have help at home while you are recovering from the
    surgery.

  • Follow any other special instructions your Dr. WeirCox gives you.
You need Java to see this applet.
GENERAL SURGEON, CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF SURGERY
3019 FARROW ROAD, COLUMBIA, SC 29203
PHONE (803) 779-3222  FAX (803) 779-3223