Preparing for surgery doesn't have to be overwhelming. Dr. Jeffrey Eakin and Dr. Catherine Beck at Utah Surgery Group have put together these step-by-step preoperative instructions to help every patient arrive ready, safe, and confident on the day of their procedure. Please read everything carefully — following these instructions is one of the most important things you can do for a successful outcome.

What Time Should I Arrive at the Hospital?

The hospital will call you the afternoon before your procedure — after lunchtime — to give you your check-in time. If you have not received a call by 3:00 PM the day before surgery, please contact the hospital directly:

📞 CommonSpirit Holy Cross801.562.42323580 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088

Where Do I Go the Day of Surgery?

On the day of your surgery or endoscopy, go to Jordan Valley Medical Center at CommonSpirit Holy Cross.

• Park in the Patient Parking Area on the east side of the facility, near the Starbucks on 3400 West
• Enter through the Outpatient Entrance, which faces 9000 South (to the right of the ER)
• The Admitting desk is immediately on your left when you walk in
• After check-in, Admitting will escort you to the preoperative area where you will meet your surgeon before heading back to surgery

📞 801.562.4232 | 3580 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088

Get Directions →

When Do I Stop Eating Before Surgery?

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. This is a firm requirement for your safety under anesthesia.

On the morning of surgery, you will have been instructed which medications you may take. If approved, you can take those pills with the smallest sip of water necessary to swallow them.

What Medications Do I Need to Stop Before Surgery?

For your safety, certain medications must be stopped before your procedure. Bring your full medication list to your preoperative visit and review it with Dr. Eakin, Dr. Beck, and your anesthesia team.

1. Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs) — Stop 14 Days Before

These medications increase your risk of bleeding:

• Motrin / Ibuprofen / Advil
• Voltaren
• Celebrex
• Aspirin

2. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)

Stop these medications on the following schedule:

• Plavix — 7 days before
• Eliquis — 3 days before
• Xarelto — 3 days before

⚠️ Always confirm with your prescribing doctor before stopping blood thinners.

3. SGLT2 Inhibitors (Diabetes Medications) — Stop 3 Days Before

These medicines increase the risk of dangerous blood sugar and fluid problems during surgery:

• Farxiga, Jardiance, Brenzavvy, Steglatro, Glyxambi, Qtern, Xigduo XR, Synjardy

4. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists & Dual Incretin Therapies — Stop 7 Days Before

These medications slow stomach emptying and can increase anesthesia risks:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), Albiglutide (Tanzeum)
• Insulin degludec/liraglutide (Xultophy)
• Insulin glargine/lixisenatide (Soliqua)

5. Special Instructions: EGD with Bravo pH Probe Placement

If you are scheduled for an EGD with Bravo pH monitoring, follow these additional steps:

• Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure
• Stop acid reflux medications (omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, etc.) 7 days before the test, unless your doctor says otherwise
• You will be sedated — you must have a driver to take you home
• The Bravo capsule attaches to your esophagus and measures acid levels for 48–96 hours
• Avoid MRI scans for 30 days after the procedure

Do I Need a Hibiclens Shower Before Surgery?

Yes — most patients need a Hibiclens shower the night before AND the morning of surgery. Hibiclens is an antiseptic skin wash that reduces bacteria on the skin and lowers your risk of surgical site infection.

You do NOT need a Hibiclens shower if you are having:

• Hemorrhoid Surgery
• Anal Surgery
• Bravo pH Study
• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Where to Buy Hibiclens

Hibiclens is available at most pharmacies in the first aid section:

• Target
• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Amazon
• Hibiclens Official Website

How to Do a Hibiclens Shower

1. Remove all jewelry. Do not use regular soaps, lotions, or body products before or after applying Hibiclens.
2. Wet your body with warm water, then turn off the water.
3. Pour a small amount of Hibiclens onto a clean washcloth or your hands. Apply directly to your skin — do not use on your face, genitals, or open wounds.
4. Gently lather your body, focusing on the area where your incision will be. Be thorough but gentle.
5. Avoid contact with: eyes, ears, mouth, face, genital area, or any open wounds — Hibiclens can irritate sensitive skin.
6. Turn the water back on. Rinse thoroughly with warm water for 3–5 minutes to remove all traces of the wash.

Do I Need a Bowel Prep Before Surgery?

If you are having colon or rectal surgery, you will need a bowel preparation and antibiotics. This does not apply to hemorrhoid surgery patients.

Proper bowel preparation ensures a clear digestive tract for your procedure and is essential for safety.

What to Buy

• Miralax (238 grams) — a gentle laxative
• Gatorade (64 oz) — any color except red, purple, or orange
• Dulcolax Laxative (5 mg, 2 tablets) — a stool softener
• Antibiotics (if prescribed by your surgeon):
  • Metronidazole (500 mg) — 3 doses
  • Neomycin (1 gram) — 3 doses

The Day Before Your Procedure

✅ Before 9:00 AM — Light breakfast allowed. You may eat:Toast, Eggs, White bread, or Broth

🚫 After 9:00 AM — No solid foods. Clear liquids only for the rest of the day.

What counts as a clear liquid:Water, chicken broth, apple juice, ginger ale, Sprite, black tea or black coffee (sugar OK, no cream or milk), popsicles, Jell-O (avoid red, purple, and orange), and Gatorade.

Bowel Prep & Antibiotic Schedule

(Only for patients whose surgeon prescribed antibiotics)

• 🕐 1:00 PM — Take 1 Neomycin (1g) + 1 Metronidazole (500mg) with a clear liquid
• 🕑 2:00 PM — Take 1 Neomycin (1g) + 1 Metronidazole (500mg) with a clear liquid
• 🕒 3:00 PM — Take 2 Dulcolax tablets with a clear liquid
• 🕕 6:00 PM — Mix Miralax (238g) with 64 oz Gatorade. Drink 1 glass every 15–20 minutes until finished.
• 🕙 10:00 PM — Take 1 Neomycin (1g) + 1 Metronidazole (500mg) with a clear liquid

Will I Have Lifting Restrictions After Surgery?

Yes. Following surgery, lifting restrictions are an important part of your recovery. Overexertion too soon can increase the risk of hernia formation, wound dehiscence, and delayed healing.

General Lifting Timeline

Recovery PeriodLifting LimitDays 1–7No lifting over 25 lbs. Focus on walking and gentle mobility.Weeks 2–3Gradually increase to 50 lbs if tolerated.Weeks 4–6Up to 75 lbs; return to work with modifications as needed.Weeks 6–12Full activity, including over 100 lbs, if no pain or complications.

If you experience discomfort or have concerns about your lifting ability, contact your surgeon before resuming strenuous activity. Early ambulation, core engagement, and progressive strength training are all part of a safe, accelerated recovery.

What Is Utah Surgery Group's Nicotine Policy?

Utah Surgery Group requires all patients to be completely nicotine-free for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery. This includes cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, chewing tobacco, and nicotine replacement therapies.

Why No Nicotine Before Surgery?

Nicotine significantly reduces blood flow to your tissues, which limits the oxygen and nutrients your body needs to heal. It also increases surgical complications including unstable blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, and difficulty with anesthesia.

Why No Nicotine After Surgery?

• Blood clots (DVT): Nicotine constricts blood vessels, raising your risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism — a life-threatening condition.
• Poor healing: Reduced blood flow to healing tissues can cause wound complications, infection, or tissue death.
• Long-term health: For bariatric surgery patients especially, nicotine can stimulate appetite, interfere with metabolism, and undermine your weight loss goals.

Tips for Staying Nicotine-Free

• Avoid secondhand smoke and vapor — even passive exposure affects healing.
• Seek support through non-nicotine therapies or support groups if needed.

What About FMLA or Employer Paperwork?

If you need FMLA documentation or paperwork for your employer, please reach out directly to our team:

bariatrics@grangermedical.com

Who Do I Call About Billing?

We understand that navigating medical bills can be confusing. For questions about your billing, please contact:

• 📞 Jordan Valley Medical Center Billing: (801) 341-1580
• 📞 Granger Medical Billing: (801) 965-3720

Frequently Asked Questions

What time will I find out my surgery check-in time?

The hospital will call you the afternoon before your procedure. If you haven't heard by 3:00 PM, call CommonSpirit Holy Cross at 801.562.4232.

Can I take my regular medications the morning of surgery?

Your care team will tell you specifically which medications are safe to take the morning of surgery. Take only those approved medications, with the smallest amount of water needed to swallow them.

Do I need a driver to take me home after surgery?

Yes. Because you will be under anesthesia or sedation, you are required to have a responsible adult drive you home. You cannot drive yourself.

What if I accidentally eat or drink something before surgery?

Contact Utah Surgery Group or the hospital immediately at 801.352.5911. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

How do I know if I need a bowel prep?

Your surgeon will tell you specifically if bowel preparation is required for your procedure. If you are unsure, call our office at 801.352.5911 before your surgery date.

Where can I reach Utah Surgery Group with last-minute questions?

Call us at 801.352.5911 or visit utahsurgery.com. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have questions about your upcoming surgery or need to speak with a member of our care team, we are here for you.

📞 Call: 801.352.5911🌐 Visit: www.utahsurgery.com📍 Location: West Jordan, Utah

We are so glad you have chosen Utah Surgery Group to be part of your journey to a healthier life. Following these preoperative instructions is an important first step toward a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes ahead for you.

Warm regards,

Jeffrey L. Eakin, M.D.Catherine E. Beck, M.D.Utah Surgery Group LLC📞 801.352.5911 | 🌐 www.utahsurgery.com

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