West Coast Surgical Center
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patient services

What to Expect

 
 

Preparing for Surgery

A staff member will call you 1-2 days before your surgery to confirm the time of your surgery, give you instructions and answer any questions you may have. If you miss our call, our surgery staff can be reached at (805) 643-3332 between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm. You can also leave a message to let us know what phone number and time is the best to reach you.

Before Surgery

Please read this information carefully and follow the instructions.

  • Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight unless your physician/anesthesiologist states otherwise. You are allowed one sip of water with your morning medications.

  • Please take your usual morning medications, ESPECIALLY your heart or blood pressure medications, with a small sip of water.

  • DO NOT take insulin or oral diabetic medications the morning of your procedure.

  • Please notify us immediately if you take any blood thinners. You will need special instructions on when to take these medications.

  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

  • Bring current photo identification (driver’s license, ID card, passport, etc.) and insurance card.

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

  • A responsible adult must accompany you to our center and be present when you are ready to leave. In the event your driver fails to pick you up within one hour of your planned discharge time, you will responsible to pay for a medical transport company, if necessary. Under no circumstances, may you drive yourself or take a bus alone.

  • Please make arrangements for a responsible adult to care for you 24 hours following your procedure.

  • Labs will be ordered and drawn at an outside laboratory, or in some cases, may be drawn at our center on the morning of your procedure. You may be prescribed a preoperative medication. Please take as directed.

Please notify us IF:

  • You have a Prosthetic Heart Valve or prior history of endocarditis.

  • There is a possibility you may be pregnant.

  • You have allergy to IV Contrast/Shellfish/Iodine or Heparin. If you experience any changes in your health between the times of your last office visit and your scheduled surgery, please notify your physician. Examples of changes in health include a cold, cough or fever.

DAY OF SURGERY

Upon arrival at the WCSC, your registration will be completed and you will meet your surgical team to prepare for surgery. Any additional questions that you may have will be answered at that time.

 

AFTER SURGERY

After your surgery is completed, you will be in the Recovery Area. Recovery time varies depending on your surgery and the type of anesthesia given.

Your surgeon will provide you with specific Post-Operative Care Instructions after your surgery. In addition, please follow the general instructions below.

  • Follow your physician’s instructions regarding activities, diet, rest and medications.

  • For your protection, avoid making important decisions or signing important documents for at least 24 hours following your procedure.

  • Plan to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.

  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following your surgery.

A WCSC staff member will call you following your surgery to check on your progress and answer questions.