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Plan to eat a regular meal before 9:00 p.m. You will need to take a bath or shower, wash your hair, and if applicable remove nail polish and jewelry from the extremity being operated on. Rest is important, so be sure to get a good night’s sleep.

Adults
• Do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before surgery.
• Clear liquids* are permitted up to a minimum of four (4) hours prior to surgery arrival time.

Children
• No solid foods after midnight the night before the procedure.
• Children 6-18 months should have their last clear liquid* three (3) hours prior to surgery arrival time. All other fluids must be stopped six (6) hours prior to surgery arrival time. (This would include formula, breast milk and other milk products).
• Children 18 months of age and older should have their last clear liquid* four (4) hours prior to surgery arrival time. All other fluids must be stopped at midnight the night before surgery.

If you forget and eat or drink something, tell the nurse immediately upon arrival at the Columbus Surgery Center.

A nurse will talk with you about any exceptions to these guidelines. Your surgeon may have special instructions for you. These instructions are very important. We may need to reschedule your surgery if you do not follow them. We want your surgery to go smoothly and we are counting on your cooperation.

*Clear liquids include: Coffee or Tea with no creams, Jell-O, popsicles, water, apple juice, cranberry juice, white grape juice, broth, Coke/Pepsi, Sprite, 7-UP and Gingerale.

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