General Surgery

You will be scheduled to meet with a general surgeon. Your surgeon will need the following information prior to your appointment:

• Office notes from referring doctor
• Radiology reports and disk including ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc.
• Other health screenings, if applicable, including EKGs, chest x-rays, stress tests, echo tests, etc.
• Pathology reports
• Recent blood work

Reports can be faxed or mailed to:

AdventHealth Medical Group General Surgery at Calhoun
1035 Red Bud Road, Suite 105
Calhoun, GA 30703-7013
Phone: Call706-602-8300 | Fax: Call706-625-6955

On the day of your appointment, please bring the following with you to this appointment:

• Insurance card(s) and co-pay
• Home medications
• Prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medications you may take
• Vitamins and herbal supplements

You will meet with your surgeon, and discuss options. If you have questions it is always helpful to bring a list.

If appropriate and you do not require any type of surgical clearance, the physician or physician’s nurse will discuss available dates for your procedure.

We will submit the appropriate information to your insurance provider. When we receive approval, you will be scheduled for your pre-admission testing at AdventHealth Gordon.

• You will meet with hospital registration.
• You will meet with the pre-admission nurses.
• You may have blood work and/or an EKG.
• You will receive instructions for the day of your surgery.

• It is very important that you arrive at your scheduled time.
• Please enter AdventHealth Gordon through the East Entrance, and follow the signs to the Outpatient Surgery Department.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no perfume), and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
• Bring any advanced directives for healthcare information if you have it. Print, fill out, and bring with you.
• If you wear glasses, contact lenses, false teeth, or related items, bring a case to store them during surgery.
• Do not put on any lotion, cream, or, deodorant after you have showered the morning of surgery. Use DYNA-HEX 4.
• If you have sleep apnea and utilize a CPAP at home, bring it with you.

Your family will be kept informed during your procedure.

Catheter: You may have a urinary catheter. This will be removed as soon as possible.

Incisions: You will have small incisions. There are generally no staples or stitches to remove.

Nausea: In the recovery room you may experience pain and nausea. If you do, medication will be available.

Diet: Food and drinks will be available as appropriate for your recovery process. It is important to eat slowly, chew your food well, and only eat small portions.

Ambulation: The staff will have you sitting up and walking after your procedure. This will help with your recovery process.

Length of Stay: You will be able to go home once you are stable.

When you are discharged from the hospital, you will have your scheduled post-op appointment with your surgeon, which is usually 10 to 14 days after your surgery. It is very important that you keep this appointment.

We understand that facing surgery is a difficult time. We are as sensitive to your emotional state as we are your physical well-being. Being as well-informed as possible prior to your surgery is our goal. Our best advice is to encourage you to focus on healing and maintaining a positive attitude. Please do not hesitate to contact any of our experienced staff to discuss your questions or concerns.