After Your Surgery

You will be taken to the first stage recovery area where you will be monitored for approximately 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type and length of your surgery and anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, you will be transferred to a second stage recovery area where you will be rejoined by a family member or escort, if desired, until discharge.

When you have met the criteria for discharge, you will be permitted to leave the Center. For your safety, you will not be permitted to leave alone following the administration of anesthetic drugs. You must make arrangements for someone to drive you home. If you plan to take a taxi, arrange for another adult to accompany you. If you are driving your child home, we recommend that you bring another adult to attend to your child. Please have your ride wait for you at the Center during surgery.

Before you leave the Center, you will be given specific written discharge instructions for your care at home. A nurse will explain and demonstrate any special instructions to aid in your home recovery and will instruct you on when to call your surgeon for a follow-up visit. If you have any additional concerns or questions, please call your surgeon's office.

In the unlikely event your recovery becomes unexpectedly prolonged or complicated, your surgeon will arrange admission to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

After you have returned home, please be sure to follow your surgeon's orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity. Unless directed otherwise, you should start your diet with bland foods. By the next day, you should be back to your normal diet. You may feel a little sleepy, light-headed or dizzy for a few hours after your operation.

Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for 24 hours.

Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery or cook for 24 hours after surgery.

A nurse from the Center will call you the day after your surgery to see how you are feeling and to answer any questions you may have. Should you miss this call, please contact the Center at (973)322-7710 and indicate that you have a postoperative report.

If for any reason you experience any problems following surgery, please call your surgeon or the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Emergency Room at (973) 322-5180.