All instructionsAfter surgery
After IV sedation or general anesthesia
What to expect for the rest of the day after sedation or general anesthesia, and how to stay safe.
The rest of the day
- Have a responsible adult stay with you for the remainder of the day.
- Rest quietly, and do not return to work or school until the next day.
- The medication can leave you drowsy and unsteady for several hours, which is expected.
Do not
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or sign important documents for twenty-four hours.
- Do not drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
- Do not care for young children or dependents on your own until the next day.
Eating and drinking
- Start with clear liquids, then move to soft foods as you feel ready.
- Take small sips at first to be sure your stomach is settled.
- Take any prescribed medication with food unless told otherwise.
When to call us
- You feel persistently nauseated or cannot keep liquids down
- You have trouble breathing or an unusual reaction to medication
- Drowsiness does not improve over the course of the day
If something does not feel right after your procedure, call our office. A member of our surgical team is available for urgent post-operative concerns, day or night. For a life-threatening emergency, such as difficulty breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
(336) 555-0142