What to Expect: before | the day of | after

Thank You!

The Staff of Bon Secours Surgery Center at Virginia Beach wants to thank you for using our surgery center.  We understand that your physician and you have a choice in scheduling where you will have your surgical procedure.  We are dedicated to ensuring that your visit is a comfortable and pleasant as possible by utilizing the highest quality of care in a warm, personalized setting.

What You Should EXPECT Before Your Surgery?

• A staff member will contact you prior to your visit.

This will ensure that your pre-operative instructions and tests are complete and your financial matters are addressed before surgery.  If a child is having surgery, you may also arrange a tour for you and your child to help ease fears you both may have.

• Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress. 

A tour of our facility can be arranged to help ease the fears of your child or your family.  We understand the anxiety family and friends may have while waiting for a loved ones surgery to be completed.   We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.

• Our staff will keep things moving on time.

We realize that time is a precious commodity for you, your family and your surgeon.  We are constantly measuring and monitoring our performance and processes to ensure that we do no waste your valuable time.

• We will handle your financial matters properly and professionally.

We will work with your insurance company to expedite your claim for the surgery expenses.   Please remember that your physician fees are separate from the surgery center fees.

• Our staff will provide you with high quality, professional service.

We believe that providing high quality care and service consistently requires a constant focus on improving the processes that we use every day.  The Bon Secours Surgery Center continuously learns from and shares with other surgery centers, so that every day we can give excellence in caring for our patients.

What should you DO the day BEFORE surgery?

• Arrange for an adult to drive you home and someone to be with you.

For your own safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive after surgery when any sedation, nerve block or general anesthetic has been administered.  It is also recommended that you have a responsible adult that can help care for you the first 24 hours after the procedure.

• Organize your health insurance cards.

Please make sure you have a valid insurance card(s) and identification card.  Our staff will need to verify and make a copy of the card(s) when you check-in on the day of your surgery.

• Follow the EAT or DRINK limitations.

You physician or a surgery center staff member will provide you with instructions for the limitations of food and drink your particular procedure will require.  Please follow these instructions.  Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not follow the required food and drink limitations.

• Follow the Medications requirements.

All patients taking any medications will be provided instructions for the medication requirements by your physician or a staff member.  Please be prepared to list all medications you are taking and bring any with you (e.g. inhaler, insulin, blood pressure medicines) that you may need during your stay.

Day of Surgery:

We Understand…

We understand that surgery can be a frightening experience for you and your family.  Our staff will provide a warm and caring setting that will help ease some of your anxiety about the procedure.

What you should EXPECT the DAY OF your surgery?

• Our staff will check you in when you arrive at the Surgery Center.

Our admission process is very quick since we have obtained most of your information before you arrived.  This final check allows us to verify all of your key information, so we can better serve you.

• A pre-operative nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area.

Our nurse will wait for you to change your clothes and store them until you are ready to go home.  After you have changed, the nurse will escort you to a surgical stretcher.

• Your family may stay with you in the pre-operative area, if you prefer.

We believe family members or friends can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure.  If you would like a member of your family or friend to sit with you prior to your procedure, inform the nurse.

• Our staff will begin your pre-operative procedures.

A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs.   The nurse will also start an IV.

• Your Anesthesia provider will speak with you in the pre-operative area.

The anesthesia provider will explain the procedure you will be having and review all the pre-operative information that the nurses have collected.

What should you DO the day of your surgery?

• Plan to arrive promptly at the scheduled time.

You prompt arrival will allow adequate time for all the necessary admission procedures and help keep things moving along.  Please remember to bring your insurance card(s).

• Leave jewelry and valuables at home.

Even though we provide a safe environment, it is in your best interest to leave your valuables at home.

• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

For your comfort we encourage you to wear clothing that can easily be removed and stored.  Please avoid wearing nail polish and cosmetics.  Leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

• Bring a stuffed animal or blanket for children.

Young children having surgery like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket with them for added reassurance.  Please bring whatever bottle or sippy cup your child uses if they cannot drink from a regular cup.

• Do Not Smoke.

Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

• Notify your physician if you think you may be pregnant.

Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to your developing baby.

After Surgery:

We Understand: We understand that you may be just as concerned or anxious about your recovery period as you were prior to surgery.  Below are some of the things you may experience after your surgery.

What you should EXPECT AFTER your surgery has been performed?

• Our nurses in our fully equipped recovery room will monitor you.

After your surgery is complete, you will be moved to the recovery room where nurses will monitor you recovery progress.  During this time the anesthesia provider and your surgeon will also check on you.

• Your surgeon will speak to your family/friends waiting on you.

Your surgeon will inform your family/friends of your status and the outcome of the procedure.

• Your family may join you in the recovery room.

After your initial stage of recovery, our staff will escort your family into the recovery room.  You may still be sleepy, but you may want the comfort of a familiar face.

• You will be given post-operative instructions before you go home.

Your recovery care nurse will provide you and your family/friend member post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, and medications since you may still be sleepy when it is time for you to go home. 

What should you DO AFTER your surgery?

• Follow your post-operative instructions given to you at the surgery center.

Your post-operative instructions are provided to facilitate your recovery process.  We encourage you to follow these instructions as they were given to you.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.

For your own safety, do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia or while taking oral pain medications.

• Do not operate equipment or sign important papers for 24 hours.

It is normal to feel drowsy after anesthesia.  We recommend that you avoid driving, operating equipment or signing important documents for 24 hours after your surgery.

• Staff members will follow-up with you to see how you are doing.

We will telephone you after you have gone home to make sure you are doing well.  If you have any questions or concerns please let our staff member know.

• Call your physician or local hospital in case of an emergency.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at (757) 495-8070