Surgery Guide: What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Procedure
At St. Mary's Healthcare System, we are here to help guide you through every step of your surgical journey, from preparation to recovery, with expert care you can trust.
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and at ease. At St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, GA, our care teams are here to guide you every step of the way, from your preoperative appointment to your recovery at home.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Before your procedure, our trained and experienced team will walk you through several important steps to help ensure your safety and readiness:
You will visit your surgeon’s office prior to surgery to:
- Review your procedure
- Discuss any necessary preparation
- Ask questions about your care plan
- A Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) nurse will call you up to one week before surgery to:
- Review your medical history and current medications
- Provide detailed pre-surgery instructions
- Explain when to stop eating and drinking
- Let you know which medications to take the morning of surgery
If you have not received this call a day or two before your surgery, please contact your care team.
Depending on your health history, you may need clearance from a specialist:
- Cardiologist (heart doctor)
- Pulmonologist (lung doctor)
- Guidance on safely stopping blood thinners
You will receive a phone call the day before surgery with your arrival time. This allows for flexibility based on the surgical schedule.
What to Expect the Day of Surgery
It is normal to be anxious the day of your surgery. Our team is ready to explain and put you at ease every step of the way.
- Enter through the main entrance and park in the parking deck
- Stop at the security desk upon entry
- Most patients will check in at Surgery Registration on the 2nd floor (Elevator B)
After registration, you will be directed to:
- Short Stay or
- Outpatient Surgery, depending on your procedure
Once in your room or pre-op bay:
- You will change into a hospital gown
- Jewelry and personal items should be removed
- Hospital socks will be provided
Your care team will prepare you for surgery:
- A nurse will review your information, take vital signs, and start an IV (intravenous line for fluids and medications)
- A patient care technician may assist with:
- Surgical site cleansing
- EKG (electrocardiogram) to check heart activity
- Compression stockings or SCDs (sequential compression devices) to help prevent blood clots
Before surgery, you will meet:
- Your anesthesia provider, who will explain how you will be safely put to sleep
- Your surgeon, who will review the surgical plan
- Your operating room (OR) nurse and anesthetist, who will escort you to surgery
You will also be asked to provide a contact name and phone number so your surgeon can give updates after the procedure.
What to Expect After Surgery
Waking up from surgery can be alarming if you don't know what to expect. After every surgery, we make sure that you wake up as comfortable and in as safe an environment as possible.
Recovery Phases:
After surgery, you will go to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also called Phase I recovery. Here, the focus is on:
- Waking up safely from anesthesia
- Managing pain and nausea
- Monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and blood pressure
You may have:
- An oxygen mask or nasal cannula
- Monitoring equipment for vital signs
This phase typically lasts at least 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on your needs.
Once stable, you will move to Phase II recovery:
- Continue waking up
- Begin drinking fluids and eating light snacks
- Receive oral medications if needed for pain or nausea
Pain Management After Surgery
It is normal to experience some discomfort after surgery.
Our goal is to help you reach a manageable, tolerable level of pain, so you can rest and begin healing.
Going Home After Surgery
If you are having outpatient surgery:
- You must have a responsible adult (18 or older) drive you home
- Someone should stay with you for at least 24 hours
If you are staying in the hospital:
- You will not need a ride on the day of surgery
- You will need transportation when you are discharged
Discharge Instructions
Before you leave, your nurse will review:
- Medications (including when to restart blood thinners)
- Activity and lifting restrictions
- Dietary guidelines
- Incision care
- Your follow-up appointment details
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your surgeon’s office if you experience:
- Fever over 101°F
- Pain not relieved by medication
- Increased redness, swelling, warmth, or hardness at the incision site
- Difficulty urinating
- Numbness, tingling, or cold fingers/toes
- Blood-soaked dressings (note: small drainage may be normal)
- Increasing drainage from the incision
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden neurological changes (confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking)
- Any life-threatening symptoms
Follow-Up Care After Surgery
Surgeon Follow-Up Appointment
Your follow-up visit will be:
- Scheduled by your discharge nurse
- Included in your discharge paperwork
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- If you are having a total joint replacement, physical therapy is often scheduled before surgery
- Additional rehabilitation needs should be discussed with your surgeon in advance
How to Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Taking a few steps before surgery can make recovery smoother:
- Arrange for a responsible adult to assist you
- Clear walkways and remove tripping hazards
- Prepare a comfortable resting area
- Keep essentials within easy reach
Important Office Numbers
If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming surgery or have a post-surgical question, please feel free to utilize the following numbers to quickly get the answers and care that you need.
(706) 389-2135
(706) 389-4216
Georgia Neurological Surgery: (706) 548-6881
Surgeons: Dr. Woodall, Dr. B. Barnes, Dr. Vasudeva, and Dr. Townsend
Athens General and Colorectal Surgeons: (706) 548-5488
Surgeons: Dr. Mercier, Dr. Yancey, Dr. Parramore, Dr. R. Katz, Dr. Lawrence
St. Mary’s Breast Health Center: (706) 425-5437
Surgeons: Dr. Jeffery
St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists: (706) 389-3590
Surgeons: Dr. Lavender, Dr. Woodbury
Urology Group of Athens: (706) 543-6261
Surgeons: Dr. Blankenship
Athens Area Urology: (706) 612-9401
Surgeons: Byrne, Schwender, Carnes, Walton, Steele, Belknap, Ericson, Clower
Athens Orthopedic Clinic: (706) 549-1663
Surgeons: Mahoney, Shuler, Dorris, Fields, Florence, J. Johnson, S. Johnson, D. Katz, Price, Register, Ryan, Tally, Wing
Arch Orthopedic and Spine: (706) 389-8941
Surgeons: Ashford, Callaway
ENT of Athens: (706) 546-7908
Surgeons: Mixson, Norris, E. Katz, Kimbrell, C. Barnes, Murphey, Phillips, Sullivan, Bailey
Athens Eye Doctors and Surgeons: (706) 549-9993
Surgeons: Royalty, Bodunrin
Georgia Center for Sight: (706) 546-9290
Surgeons: Dong, Tuckfield
Athens Obstetrics and Gynecology: (706) 548-4272
Surgeons: Cline, Bolton, Elstad, Fletcher, Herrin, Murthy
Athens Breast Health Center: (706) 452-5856
Surgeons: Ray, Gunn
26 Foot and Ankle: (706) 546-7417
Surgeons: Colasurdo
Georgia Podiatry Center: (706) 310-4288
Surgeons: Gowdie