After Surgery at the Foothill Surgery Center
- Depending on your procedure, you will spend 20 minutes to an hour, or longer if necessary, in the recovery area. Because length of stay in the recovery room varies, it is important that your ride be available when you are ready for discharge. The person taking you home will be asked to come into the discharge area to be present during your discharge instructions.
- Before you leave the center you will be given written instructions for your care at home.
- The anesthesiologist will discharge you when he is assured you are in stable condition. However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are all possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12 to 24 hours.
- After you have returned home, be sure to follow your doctor's orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity. Unless directed otherwise, you should start your diet with clear liquids. In four to six hours, you can begin to eat solid foods. By the next day, you should be back to your normal diet. It is not unusual to feel a little sleepy, lightheaded or dizzy for several hours after your surgery. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours.
- If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your physician.
- A nurse from the center will call you within 24 hours after your surgery to see how you are and answer any additional questions you might have. Patients whose surgery occurs on a Friday will receive their follow-up call the following Monday.
- Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery or cook for 24 hours after surgery.
Pain Management
Your surgeon will prescribe medication for pain management. Please call the center or your surgeon if you have further concerns and questions regarding your medication
Discharge Instructions
Each procedure has specific after care instructions. Our surgeons and our staff will provide them for you before you leave our facility.
Follow-up Appointment
Our staff will provide the date and time for your follow-up appointment, if your surgeon has not already done so.
If you have additional questions, please contact us or call (805) 681-6550.