PREPARING FOR SURGERY 
 
Welcome to Lighthouse Surgery Center we are honored to care for you today! Your friend or family member is welcome to wait with you in our large sunlit lobby before surgery. One visitor will be able to accompany the patient to the pre-operative area. Vending machines are available on site for additional snack needs. If you are here for a total knee or hip replacement, the clinic will provide a meal for you during your stay. Please let us know in advance if there are any accommodations you need during your stay as we are committed to making your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Eating and drinking instructions for your upcoming procedure: 

Diet Protocol 

• NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY: may eat a regular diet and stay hydrated. 
  

• AFTER MIDNIGHT (START OF SURGERY DAY): No solid foods, dairy products or pulp-based juices (orange or grapefruit juice). 
  

• MORNING OF SURGERY: may drink up to 10 ounces total of approved CLEAR LIQUIDS up to three hours before your surgery, then stop drinking all clear liquids, nothing by mouth. 
  

• APPROVED CLEAR LIQUIDS: water, Gatorade or other clear electrolyte beverage, apple or cranberry juice, tea, black coffee (no dairy, sugar or substitutes). No alcohol. 
  

• ***Note: alcohol is NOT an approved fluid. Fluids other than those noted above are not acceptable and will result in the surgery being cancelled.*** 
  

​DO YOU TAKE A GLP-1? ​

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GLP-1 Guidelines 

• DO NOT TAKE YOUR GLP-1 on the day of surgery
  
  • ​THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY (24 hrs. before): You may have CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY. No solid foods at all. 
    
  • APPROVED CLEAR LIQUIDS: Water, colored/electrolyte beverages, clear broth, apple or cranberry juice, Jello, tea, black coffee (no dairy in drinks), No alcohol. 
    
  • AT MIDNIGHT (start of surgery day): STOP EVERYTHING-NOTHING BY MOUTH 
    
  • Morning of surgery: you may take medications only if instructed with only a SMALL SIP OF WATER ​

Medication Instructions: 

STOP 7 Days Before Surgery: ​

• Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Motrin, diclofenac 
  

• ALL vitamins and supplements 
  

• Spine surgery only: stop aspirin, meloxicam, celecoxib, in addition to above ​
  

What is allowed for pain: ​

• Tylenol (Acetaminophen) up to 1000mg three times a day as needed, however NOT on the day of surgery ​

• All medications will be discussed during Lighthouse pre op call. 
  

• Rescue medication related to asthma or migraines should be brought with you the date of surgery in their original prescription bottles ​
  

What to wear to surgery  

• No leggings, jeans, belts or buckles, as these may not fit over the post operative dressing 
  

• Loose comfortable clothes only (i.e. Oversized shirt, elastic waist sweatpants or shorts) 
  

• Close toed shoes necessary (sneakers are preferred) 
  

• Remove all jewelry and body piercings 
  

• No makeup, lotions, creams, or hairspray 
  

• Upper extremity surgeries- bring loose tee shirt (for under your sling) and jacket to cover sling 
  

• Lower extremity surgeries-  elastic waist band shorts or loose/wide leg pants. This will need to fit over your dressing and or surgical brace ​
  

Discharge plan 

• You will need a ride home with a caregiver (over the age of 18)   

• Total Hip Replacements will sit in the front seat 

• Total Knee Replacements/Knee/Foot/Ankle Surgeries will sit in the back seat with their operative leg elevated for the ride home  

• BEFORE surgical date, pick up medications from pharmacy. If you run into any issues with authorization please call surgeon’s office  

• You and your caregiver will receive packet of instructions that will be reviewed at the time of discharge 

• Depending on your plan of care you may be seen by a Physical Therapist before discharge. 
  • See map on day of surgery checklist ​

Mandatory Caregiver: 
It is mandatory that you have a caretaker with you for the first 24 hours post operatively, and we strongly advise having assistance for 3 days after as well. Please inform us if this is going to be a problem for you. Your surgeon and their scheduler also need to be made aware if a post operative caregiver is unavailable. Once again, your safety is our priority.   

​Your surgical and arrival time will be provided to you by Lighthouse Surgical Center the day before your planned procedure. If you do not receive a call by 2pm the day before your planned procedure (or on Friday if procedure is on a Monday), contact the surgery center. 
 
Lighthouse Surgery Center:  
860-714-3939 
Total Joint Direct Line: 
860-714-3929 

• If you are scheduled for a total joint replacement, we recommend you contact your surgeon for further guidance regarding dental work or cleanings. ​

• If you develop a sore throat, cough, fever, chills, develop open sores on your skin, or have any changes in your health, contact your surgeon and Lighthouse Surgery Center immediately. 

• If indicated, follow your surgeon's instructions for cleaning and preparing your 

       skin and surgical site before surgery. ​

DAY OF SURGERY CHECKLIST:    - Complete list of your current prescriptions and  over-the-counter medications including the time and date of your last dose  - Rescue medications related to asthma or migraines should be brought with you the date of surgery in their original prescription bottles  - Government issued photo identification such as passport/driver’s license and advanced directive  - Insurance card and credit/debit card for surgical co-pays  - Name and phone number of your ride home and/or 24hr caregiver  - Personal assistive devices including hearing aids, glasses, CPAP, etc.  - Medical Equipment (surgical shoe, crutches, walker, sling, ice machine wrap)  **Note: We are a weapons free facility. Please leave all weapons at home (pocket knives, guns, etc.)

Your Day of Surgical Stay Checklist:
Please complete prior to your arrival