Your first stop is in the Pre-Op Area where you get ready for surgery. You'll receive an ID bracelet with your full name and birth date. Check it out to be sure everything is correct. The staff will check this bracelet often to be sure you're the right person before giving you medicine or starting surgery.

A pre-op nurse will welcome you and your family and then do a brief check-up with you. The nurse will check your weight, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and listen to your lungs to find out how your health is that day. The nurse will also ask questions like what and when you last ate or if you have any allergies. See questions asked during pre-op screening. A pregnancy test will be done for girls who are 12 years or older or if menstruation has begun. Any other required lab tests and X-rays not done before you arrive will also be done at this time. The site on your body where your surgery is to be performed will be verified with your nurse for safety reasons.

Hospital pajamas are provided for your surgery. They're not glamorous but they are loose and comfortable. You're welcome to bring your own robe and slippers to wear after surgery if you'd like. A child life staff member may stop by and talk about the surgery process, provide relaxation techniques, and describe fun, quiet things you can do after surgery.

You will then meet with your surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist and OR nurse and ask them your questions. (See our questions teens frequently ask.) At this time the surgeon may mark the site or side of the body where the surgeon will perform the procedure. The OR nurse will double check to see that the information on your ID bracelet is correct. The surgeon and anesthesiologist will have your parents sign a consent unless you are 18 years or older. If so, you will be asked to sign the form.

After all these tasks are completed you will wait in the pre-op area until you are brought to surgery. Your parents will wait in the surgery waiting room until your surgery is over.