Planning for leaving the hospital

Making plans for when you leave the hospital is an important part of your recovery. Your health care team will work with you and your family to help develop your discharge plan. By using this plan, you and your family can make most discharge arrangements before your surgery

When you leave the hospital will depend on your surgery and your recovery.

You will be able to leave the hospital when you:

• are able to eat and drink without problems
• can take your pain medicine by mouth
• are able to urinate without problems
• are able to pass gas or have a bowel movement

When you leave the hospital

• You will receive information about going home and the nurse will review these instructions with you.
• You will receive a prescription for pain medicine. You can have this filled at the hospital pharmacy or at your own pharmacy.
• You should drink one to three servings of a protein drink each day for two weeks after you leave the hospital.
  

You may leave the hospital as late as 10 p.m., depending on the starting time of your surgery.