Do I need to return the Patient Admission Form prior to my surgery?

Yes - we need this form at least 24 hours before your procedure to enable us to register you in our computer system and to act on any medical conditions you may have prior to surgery, such as heart problems or diabetes.

Do I need to stop any medications prior to surgery?

Yes, Aspirin is usually stopped at least one week prior as this can create bleeding problems during surgery. If you are on Warfarin or Aspirin or other blood-thinning medications, please discuss this with your surgeon. Some herbal medications should also be stopped as these can also cause bleeding.

Do I take my normal medication on the day of surgery?

Yes, unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthetist.

Can I wear my jewellery into the hospital?

We prefer you only wear a wedding ring and leave all other jewellery and valuables at home.

Do I need to shave the surgical site before I come in?

No, the nurses will shave the area if necessary.

I am a diabetic, what do I do about my medication before surgery?

Ask your surgeon about management of this at your consultation or phone the rooms. It is important that you bring all your medication with you on the day of surgery, including insulin.

Do I have to remove my tummy button ring?

Yes, if the surgery is in that particular area. This is done to avoid infection.

Why am I not allowed to eat before surgery?

There is a risk of vomiting and inhaling it when you are under an anaesthetic and have a full stomach. You should not eat or drink for at least 4-6 hours prior to surgery. This includes water.

Can my family visit me?

Yes, visiting is permitted until 9.00pm. After 5.00pm visitors need to enter via the side door, access down the driveway and up the ramp.

Can I wear nail polish/acrylic nails?

Yes, they normally don't cause any problems.

Can my relatives stay the night?

Unfortunately there are no facilities for this.

Can I bring my laptop in with me?

Yes, we have wireless internet in patient rooms.

Do you have TV in the rooms?

Yes we do and you have your own remote control. We have 3 sky channels and channels 1, 2 and 3.

Is there anywhere my valuables can be locked up?

Yes, we have a secure safe where we can lock up any valuables. However, we encourage you to leave valuables at home if possible.

Will I have much pain after the operation?

You will experience some discomfort. You will be given regular pain relief following the operation and you will also be given pain relief to take home. It is important to take this in the first few days after surgery.

Can I bring my baby in with me?

Yes, you can. We have a bassinet for a very small baby, but we encourage babies to be taken home at night where practical. It is important for patients to get a good night's sleep following surgery.

Can I breastfeed my baby after surgery?

Drugs that are given for the procedure can be detected in breast milk in small amounts. The effect on the baby would be a sedation effect but no danger to the baby. To avoid this you may wish to express before the procedure sufficient milk for one feed following surgery and express and discard the first feed after surgery.

What time do I go home?

If you are booked for overnight stay, your surgeon will see you first thing in the morning and discuss this with you. If you are having day surgery, your surgeon will see you after your surgery, after which you will be discharged.

Do my dressings need to be changed?

No, they stay on until you return for your follow-up appointment and the surgeon will remove them.

Can I shower with my dressings on?

Yes you can and pat them dry with a towel. Only shower, don't have a bath. Don't be concerned if they may start to lift prior to your post-op visit

When can I return to work?

Your surgeon will advise you but you can normally return to work within a week.

When can I drive?

Not within 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. This is a medico-legal requirement. You may then drive when you feel comfortable.

When can I go back to the gym?

This depends on the type of surgery you have. If you have an inguinal/groin hernia repair then you can start activities straight away. For other surgery wait until you have been for your follow-up appointment and your surgeon will advise you.

Can I swim?

Swimming is not advised until the wounds are healed, to avoid infection. Definitely no spa pools or swimming pools.

Can I eat a normal diet following my gallbladder surgery?

Yes.

Should I avoid fatty foods after my gallbladder has been removed?

Preferably, although individual responses will vary. Some people tolerate fat in their diet better than others.