Typically, you will be instructed to fast for at least 12 hours prior to your appointed hour of surgery. Fasting will reduce the chances of nausea or throwing up during surgery, which can be triggered by some types of anesthesia. Fasting includes gum, mints, and other small items. You can brush your teeth; just do not swallow any of the water or toothpaste. You will be discouraged from driving home after the surgery, due to residual effects of the anesthesia. Arrange a driver so you can get home after you are discharged without any delay. Your driver can also help you get your medications from the pharmacy on the way home. Try to avoid placing anything on your body that could inadvertently interfere with the surgical procedure. This includes jewelry, makeup, perfume, cologne, lotions, etc. Also, wear glasses instead of contacts, as your eyes may be dried out during the surgery. To expedite the process of registration and make sure you are ready for surgery on time, make sure to bring the required items. Bringing these items and having them on hand will save you time digging through your bags or returning home to get them. Bring: A photo ID (driver's license or state identification card). Your health insurance card. A form of payment if another arrangement has not already been made. A list of the medications you are taking, the dosage and time of the day that you take them. You should also bring a list of the medications you are allergic or have had a reaction to. Walker or crutches, if necessary. Bring a case for your glasses, dentures and hearing aid, if applicable. All of these items will be removed prior to surgery.

Summary: Stop eating and drinking by 12 am the night before your surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. Wear your glasses and leave unnecessary items at home. Bring the necessary paperwork to the hospital.

Quick release gait belts have 2-piece buckles located on either end of the belt strap. To secure the buckle, push the "male" side into the "female" side until you hear a snap, then tug on the closed buckle to make sure it's secure. To unbuckle the belt, simultaneously press down on the tabs at the top and bottom of the closed buckle, and pull the 2 buckle components apart at the same time. As with a standard gait belt, the buckle can cause discomfort if it's positioned directly over the center of the patient's abdomen. Slide it a little to the right or left of center, based on the patient's preference. Some excess belt strap will already be looped through and hanging free from one of the sides of the buckletypically the "male" side. Pull on the strap until the belt is at the proper tightness around the patient's waist, with the bottom of the belt just touching the tops of the hip bones. You should be able to slide your fingers behind the belt, but not be able to pinch the fabric between your fingers. The excess belt strap can be a tripping hazard, so get it out of the way by tucking it once or more behind the fitted belt. If there is an excessive amount of strapping left, wrap it loosely around the patient's body once or twice (above the fitted belt), then tuck it in.

Summary: Snap the two sides of the plastic buckle together. Move the buckle to the right or left of the patient's belly button. Pull the loose end of the belt strap to secure the belt tightly. Tuck the loose strap end into the belt for safety reasons.

It takes only about 30 seconds for a thought in your mind to enter your deep consciousness. As a result, thinking that you can simply just push it out of your mind won't work. In fact, It takes a lot more mental energy and effort to fight against a negative thought. Acknowledging negative thinking doesn't mean dwelling on it. Instead, you allow your mind to briefly accept that the thought has entered your mind, and then intentionally releasing the thought from your mind. Use visual imagery to allow your negative thoughts to be released. For example, you might want to imagine placing your negative thought on a leaf and then watching it float down the stream. Sometimes you have valid reasons to be concerned or worried about something, especially when feeling like you have no control over the situation. Therefore, it's okay to recognize that there is reason for concern. Just don't allow them to fester in your mind. Freeing up your mind from negative thoughts makes space for other, more positive thoughts. With practice and time, you'll notice that you'll have a tendency to engage in more positive thinking. If you begin to believe that your negative thoughts are valid, then they become your reality. Instead, ask yourself these three questions when negative thoughts take over: Are these thoughts reasonable? Are they rational? Are they reliable? If you can identify that a negative thought is unreasonable, then it allows you to put things into perspective. If you conclude that your thinking is irrational, then you can cease engaging in irrational behavior. Finally, if your negative thought is unreliable, then you can recognize that it is unlikely to be true. Figure out which personal experiences you've had that are behind your negative thoughts to gain perspective on your thinking and reasoning. You can then ask yourself what about that experience has lead to your negative perception. This sounds both counterproductive and extreme, but it works. Why? It allows you to see things in a more realistic perspective. For example, someone who is afraid of flying might be fearful of being in a plane crash. They might imagine themselves being the sole survivor of the crash, stranded on a deserted island and being eaten alive by a pack of wolves. Imagining their greatest fear can help them realize the absurdity of their fear.

Summary: Acknowledge your negative thoughts. Release your negative thoughts. Have concerns without dwelling on them. Don't buy into the negative thinking. Determine the source of your negative thinking. Think of the worst possible outcome that could happen.

You can create even zig-zag lines by moving your arm back and forth in a uniform way across the entire sheet of cake balls. To ensure a hard coating and a more uniform appearance to the topping, place the cake balls in the freezer or refrigerator for about an hour or two.
Summary: Drizzle additional melted chocolate on top. Chill the cake balls again. Finished.