What to expect during your first visit
- When you come in the office staff will greet you and collect insurance and payment up front.
- Then the medical assistant will go over your online history and physical forms to make sure information is accurate
- If you have images from your PCP please bring them and give the to the front office
- You will see a medical doctor at the initial visit. The doctor will go through your medical history and discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
- People often worry if they go to a surgeon’s office they will automatically have surgery. We don’t just sign people up for surgery for every condition. Sometimes non-surgical management is the best first strategy.
You may not be eligible for surgery if…
We also believe in patients being physically prepared for surgery. Some operations are very large and difficult to get over so sometimes patients require some prehabilitation. These can include measures like weight loss, smoking cessation, diabetes control and general physical therapy to get patients ready for larger more complex procedures.
- You may need additional appointments after initial consultation for imaging, weight loss and smoking cessation follow-up visits.
After surgery you will have a follow up visit 1-2 weeks post surgery. We will see how you are healing and address any questions you may have.
Pre-op instructions for Surgery
Day before surgery
Normal activities, normal diet unless instructed otherwise, shower with chlorhexadine wash.
After Midnight
- Do not eat or drink, including water, gum, mints
- Brushing teeth is okay
Medications
If your physician has asked you to take critical medications, take the medication with a sip of water early in the morning of your surgery.
Some medications may cause extra bleeding and bruising, and should be stopped days to weeks before the day of surgery:
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naprosyn, etc.)
- Vitamin E
- Fish oil
- Herbal Medicines (especially Gingko Biloba)
- Clopidrogel (Plavix)
- Prasugrel (Effiant)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Apixaban (Eliquis)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Each patient is different. Please follow your surgeon or doctor’s recommendations on when exactly to stop taking these medications.
Instructions For The Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything. Brushing teeth is okay.
- Shower if you did not shower the night before.
- Take your medications with a small sip of water. In general, it is imperative that all blood pressure and heart medications are taken at their normal dose and any diabetic medication is taken at ½ the dose. Our office will call you prior to surgery to let you know this information.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry or contact lenses.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing that is easy to change. Wear comfortable shoes or slippers.
- Do not bring any valuables. If you are staying in the hospital after surgery, you may have someone bring you a small suitcase with necessities for after surgery.
- Identification Card
- Insurance Information
- Payment, if required, is due prior to surgery
- List of Medications you are currently taking
- Advance Directive (If applicable)
Get Expert Hernia Care Today
Schedule your consultation with Dr.Maki for specialized hernia treatment and general surgical care.
Get Expert Hernia Care Today
Schedule your consultation with Dr.Maki for specialized hernia treatment and general surgical care.
