Dr. Valentine uses Sentara Bayside Hospital as his home for gynecological surgery. If you need pre-op testing (including blood work), report to the Outpatient Registration Department 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery date to have that done. No appointment is necessary and they are open Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Click here for Sentara Bayside Hospital map,directions and floorplan.

One – 2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Call the office if you develop a cough, cold, sore throat, or vomiting especially if accompanied by a fever
• Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin) for two weeks before your surgery unless we instruct you otherwise
• Try to stop smoking (or decrease as much as you possibly can) two weeks before surgery to get your lungs as healthy as they can be at this time
• Have pre-op testing done

The Day Before Surgery:

• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours prior to surgery
• Eat a light dinner before 9 p.m. No solid food after this time
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Eating or drinking after the instructed times will delay your surgery and may even require rescheduling!
• Avoid smoking after midnight
• Bathe the night before or the morning of surgery

The Day of Surgery:

• When you brush your teeth the morning of surgery, be sure not to swallow any water
• Please take necessary medications with a sip of water the morning of surgery: blood pressure, heart, seizure or breathing medications including inhalers. Consult with Dr. Valentine for insulin dosing the day of surgery
• Wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows for easy dressing and undressing
• Do not wear make-up, nail polish, perfume, skin cream or use aerosol spray
• Bring your insurance card, a list of your medications, and any lab results or medical records you may have in your possession with you to the hospital
• Dentures, contacts and glasses may not be worn during surgery. Bring a case to store eyewear
• Do not bring valuables (jewelry, large amounts of money, etc…) with you
• If you are staying over night, bring a small bag with robe, slippers, toiletries, etc…
• If you are having outpatient surgery, you must arrange for someone to bring you home after your surgery. There are no exceptions to this rule. Outpatient surgery cannot be performed without responsible adult transportation to bring you home. A cab or bus will not be acceptable. Please arrange for someone to be with you until the morning after your surgery.
• Arrive in admitting one to two hours before your scheduled surgery

You will receive specific instructions at the time of your discharge. For clarification or reinforcement, check the Post-Operative instruction section , the paperwork from the hospital, or call during office hours.