After Your Surgery

Following your surgery, you will be closely observed and gradually awakened in our Recovery Room.

After awakening, you will change back into your clothing and continue to rest in the Departure Lounge, where you can be joined by your guest.

While in the Departure Lounge, you’ll be given a light snack and your nurse will go over your post-operative instructions. 

If you have received general anesthesia or intravenous sedation:

• Go directly home and rest for the remainder of the day.
• A family member or friend should be with you throughout the night.
• For your own safety, do not plan any activities for the day after surgery.
• Gradually proceed to a normal diet.
• Remember that it is normal to feel a little dizzy or sleepy for several hours after surgery.

If you have received local anesthesia:

• You may return to normal activities except for those mentioned by your doctor.

No matter how well you feel during the first 24 hours following your surgery, DO NOT:

• Drive a car or take public transportation alone
• Drink alcoholic beverages
• Make important decisions or sign legal documents
• Care for a dependent person
• Use power tools

Discharge

Your length of stay depends on the nature of your operation and your body’s response to the anesthetics and the surgery, so it is difficult to predict in advance exactly when you will be able to leave.

Your surgeon or anesthesiologist will determine when it is medically safe for you to be discharged and return to the comfort of your home to be cared for by family and friends.

It is very rare to be admitted to the hospital after outpatient surgery.  However, should there be a need for further care, you will be admitted to adjacent EvergreenHealth Medical Center.

For your convenience, your guest can pull your vehicle up to our facility’s covered exit door, which is accessible from the top floor of the Blue parking garage. Our staff will escort you and assist you into the vehicle.