What to Expect: Before and After Your Procedure

At Thousand Oaks Surgery Center (TOSC), our goal is for you to have not just the best possible patient experience but also the best treatment results possible. And we believe in preparing for success… and helping you do the same.

Here’s what you can expect before, during and after your outpatient procedure…

BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

Before your outpatient surgery or other procedure, there are a number of things that you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly:

  • You will receive a courtesy call from the Thousand Oaks Surgery Center nurse. Instructions will be provided about any necessary preparation. Please contact your surgeon if you do not receive this call.
  • If there is any change in your physical condition, such as a color or fever or other symptoms, notify your surgeon as soon as possible.
  • Please refrain from eating or drinking anything—including water, coffee, gum or mints—for a minimum of 8 hours prior to your procedure. If your procedure is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • If you take medication, please check with your surgeon as to whether and/or when to take it. If cleared to take your medication(s), use only a small sip of water.
  • Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled procedure.
  • Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home following your procedure.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

There are also some things you’ll need to do when you come in for your procedure:

  • Remind TOSC’s staff and the surgeon of any allergies you may have.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to slip on and off.
  • Leave jewelry and important personal items at home. TOSC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Bring with you all necessary information, including:
  • Your insurance card
  • Your driver’s license or other valid identification
  • A list of your current medications
  • Completed TOSC paperwork

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Before you leave TOSC, you’ll receive written instructions for your at-home care and recovery. Following those post-anesthesia instructions is a vitally important part of the recovery process. These instructions include, but are not limited to:

Post-Procedure DON’Ts…

  • Do NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following surgery.
  • Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after your procedure.
  • Do NOT make any important decisions until the day after your surgery.
  • Do NOT eat a heavy or large meal until the day after your surgery.

Post-Procedure DOs…

  • It’s not uncommon to experience pain or soreness at the site of your procedure. Take pain medication as prescribed by your referring physician, as needed.
  • When the procedure is over, resume your normal medication regimen as prescribed. If you are diabetic, and depending on the procedure you had, you may need to speak with your doctor about adjusting your medication.
  • BE AWARE: Call your surgeon immediately or seek help from the nearest emergency room if you develop any of the following symptoms:
  • Chills, or a fever of 101°F or higher
  • Severe tenderness at the wound site
  • Weakness in the arm (if you’ve had a neck procedure) or leg (for back procedures) that persists the next day
  • Inability to urinate or new incontinence of bowel or bladder
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Severe total-body rash
  • Swelling in the face or tongue
  • Chest pain

To learn more about what to expect from your procedure or appropriate preparation, call 805.230.3100. You can also contact us using our convenient online form.