Your Surgery

Before Your Surgery

Your doctor’s office will schedule your procedure.

Please complete your surgery registration online by clicking here.

We may call you to:

  • Obtain further information from you
  • Answer any questions you may have about West Lakes Surgery Center and your upcoming procedure.

If you develop a fever, rash, or cold the day before your procedure, contact your doctor at once, as your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Plan ahead:

  • Arrange to bring a responsible driver with you who can remain in the surgery center while you are in surgery and drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after your procedure.
  • Make arrangements for a friend, relative, or other caregiver to stay with you for 24 hours following your surgery.
  • If you have young children, arrange for someone to care for them for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
  • If the patient is a child, at least one parent must remain in the center during surgery and recovery, so plan accordingly. Please DO NOT bring other young children along with you.*
  • If you are a diabetic: Ask your physician how you should adjust your dose of insulin on the day of your procedure.
  • Prepare to pay your part (co-pay, co-insurance, deductible) before surgery. If you need to make financial arrangements or need an estimate of your bill, please call 1-866-512-8844 before the day of surgery.

* If the patient is a child or a special needs adult, please visit this link.

VERY IMPORTANT: The Night Before Your Surgery

Do NOT eat, drink, or chew anything after midnight, unless your doctor has given you other instructions! This includes gum, mints, candy, and chewing tobacco. Do NOT smoke after midnight. Do NOT allow a child who is having surgery to eat or drink anything after midnight, including water, milk, any type of juice, soft drinks or Kool-Aid. Do NOT allow the child to chew gum suck on candy, or swallow toothpaste before surgery.

Day of Your Surgery

Remember:

  • Do not eat or drink anything, unless your doctor has given you other instructions.

  • Take your heart and/or blood pressure medicine with only a sip of water.

  • If you are a diabetic, follow your physician’s instructions for adjusting your insulin dose this morning.

  • When you brush your teeth, do not swallow any water when rinsing your mouth.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing—a short-sleeved, button-front shirt is best.

  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.

  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a case to store them in.

  • Do not wear makeup, perfume, or dark-colored nail polish.

Bring with you:

  • A responsible driver. This is REQUIRED, as you will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home after surgery. Remind the driver to stay in the facility until you are ready to be taken home.

  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a case to store them in.

  • Your current driver’s license or photo ID.

  • Your current insurance ID card.

  • Payment (co-pay, co-insurance, deductible), unless you have made other arrangements in advance.

If you are bringing family or friends with you:

Your companions will have access to our comfortable waiting room and a number of amenities, including wireless internet access, beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water), television, a children’s activity area, and reading materials (magazines and newspapers).

Please ask your companions to remain in our waiting room area until you are ready to leave for home. Your doctor may want to speak with them after your surgery. If they must leave, they should inform the receptionist.

Here’s what will happen when you arrive at the surgery center:

  • We will be expecting you and will make you as comfortable as possible!

  • We will need to see and make a copy of your driver’s license/photo ID and insurance card. We will ask you to verify your billing and insurance information and to sign a financial agreement.

  • You will be expected to pay your part of the charges at this time, unless you have paid already, or have made other arrangements in advance.

  • A nurse will ask questions to verify your medical information, your allergies, and the medications you are taking.

  • The nurse will prepare you for your procedure.

  • An anesthesia provider will meet with you to discuss your medical history and the type of anesthesia you will be having.

After Your Surgery

Plan ahead:

  • You will be spending approximately 30 to 90 minutes in the post-anesthesia care unit, depending upon the type of anesthesia you received.
  • The nurse in this area will give you instructions for taking care of yourself at home.

When you return home:

If you have a problem or questions when you are recovering at home, call your surgeon at the number provided in your discharge instructions.

Important:

If an emergency arises after normal business hours, call your doctor or go directly to your local emergency room. Ask emergency room personnel to contact your doctor.

Anesthesia Services

Medical Center Anesthesiologists, PC, has been providing the Des Moines community with anesthesia related services for more than 30 years.

This group is made up of more than 40 physicians and a number of CRNAs (certified registered nurse anesthetists) who provide high quality 24 hour anesthesia services to West Lakes Surgery Center’s patients. Medical Center Anesthesiologists, PC, also provides comprehensive pain management services.