Pre-Operative Patient

Throughout the work-up process the patient is considered a pre-operative patient until surgery is performed.

Each pre-operative patient has been provided a reference guide titled "Checklist for Surgical Candidates". This will outline each step and will serve as an important aid while in the work-up process.

If at any point in the work-up process you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

PRECAUTIONS REGARDING MEDICATIONS FOR GBP & AGB PATIENTS (before and after surgery)

If you are currently taking medications on a regular basis, it is ESSENTIAL that you discontinue taking certain ones 10 to 14 days before your surgery.

If you are taking this medication for a medical condition prescribed by your doctor, let him/her know of your upcoming surgery! This may also include many over-the-counter medications such as Alka-Seltzer, and many cold/sinus products. Weight loss medications must also be discontinued before surgery.

BEFORE STOPPING ANY MEDICATION THAT HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR A MEDICAL CONDITION, PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND OUR OFFICE. This includes medications often taken for arthritis or other types of pain such as the medications listed below, and many more which can affect the clotting function of your blood . To prevent excessive bleeding during or after surgery, it is essential that this clotting function be not impaired by any medication.

• Diabetics: Please be aware that you may be at risk for severe hypoglycemia if you continue your preoperative diabetic medication. Please check your blood sugar frequently (every morning and evening) and keep a record. Notify your primary medical doctor about your upcoming GBP/AGB surgery and make an appointment to see your PMD immediately after discharge so that this can be monitored.

• Large pills may get "stuck" in the pouch. It is important to find out if pills can be crushed (check with your pharmacist and internist). If they cannot be crushed, then they may have to be changed to a medication that can be crushed.

• Dosages of important medications may have to be altered. Please check with your PMD so this can be monitored.

IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO INFORM THE OFFICE IF YOU ARE ON COUMADIN THERAPY.

• Aspirin, aspirin substitutes including Ecotrin and Excedrin or any other medication containing aspirin.

• Any non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, etc), Feldene, Naprosyn, Arthrotec, Anaprox, Clinoril, Tolectin, Indocin, Disallid, Voltaren, Relafen, Toradol, Orudis, Aleve, etc.

• Ginkgo Biloba.

• St. John's Wort.

• Erythromycin. (Avoid all "mycin" antibiotics.)

• Tetracycline.

• Steroids.

• Coumadin.

• Phenteramine, Fastin, Adipex.

• TYLENOL AND MOST ANTIBIOTICS ARE OKAY.