Eating and Drinking

1. No food for 6–8 hours before surgery; stop clear liquids 2 hours prior. Follow specific instructions for bowel prep if required.
2. IV fluids may be provided before surgery and removed once you can drink independently.

Bathing and Brushing

1. Shower the night before and morning of surgery with unscented antibacterial soap.
2. Avoid lotions, creams, deodorants, and shaving the surgical area.
3. Brush your teeth and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash before surgery.

Please Remember

1. Bring insurance card, ID, medication list, and comfortable clothes.
2. Avoid bringing jewelry, valuables, and wear glasses instead of contacts.
3. Arrange for someone to drive you home if needed.

Safety Precautions

ID and allergy bracelets will be provided upon arrival. Surgical site will be marked for accuracy. Visitors should sanitize hands before entering.

Medication and Pain Management

1. Discuss medication adjustments with your surgical team. Take routine medications with a sip of water.
2. Pain will be managed with anesthesia, non-medication methods (e.g., ice, walking), and medications like ibuprofen or opioids if necessary.

Reducing Blood Clot Risks

Wear compression stockings and walk post-surgery to prevent blood clots. Medications may be prescribed if needed.

A Reminder

Your healthcare team will inform you of the surgery duration and update your family afterward. Follow their detailed instructions for preparation.

Miroslav Uchal, MD is an accomplished Bariatric, General, and Vein (varicose vein) Surgeon practicing in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a valued member of the esteemed team of North Florida Surgeons.

Dr. Uchal completed Medical School in Slovakia before passing his qualification exams in the US and undertaking a residency in general surgery in Pittsburgh, PA. Subsequently, he pursued bariatric fellowship training at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, focusing on obesity surgery. During this time, he provided training for surgical residents in laparoscopy and virtual reality surgical training. Dr. Uchal was appointed as the Director for Laparoscopy Education and Training and later became the Director of the Bariatric Program at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (Steelers' country). He gained recognition for his revisional bariatric skills using robotic platforms. In December 2010, he assumed the position of Director of Bariatric Surgery at Ascension Hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida, where he transformed the hospital into a Center of Excellence and increased the number of bariatric procedures tenfold.

Patients seek Dr. Uchal for his compassion, dedication, and top professional skills. He is one of the busiest bariatric surgeons in Florida and conducts his own endoscopies and X-rays to understand the pathophysiology of each individual case better. Dr. Uchal utilizes the latest 3D technology equipment and instrumentation and works with a well-trained team to achieve the best results for every patient. In the bariatric world, he is proficient in various surgical procedures such as gastric sleeves, gastric bypasses, duodenal switches, SADIs, one anastomosis gastric bypasses, gastric bands and in bariatric revisional surgery and bariatric conversion surgery from one procedure to another. Miro Uchal MD is active General Surgeon, with interests in a range of conditions such as gallbladder diseases, gastric reflux diseases, hiatal hernia repairs, ventral hernia repairs, and diseases of the large and small intestine. Additionally, Dr. Uchal performs complex abdominal wall reconstructions for complicated ventral hernias, removal of scar tissue causing pain or obstruction.

Dr. Uchal does many other general surgery cases as removal of lipomas, tumors and masses, placement of ports, access for peritoneal dialysis knows and peritoneal catheter placement, placement and removal of variety of feeding tubes etc. He is frequently asked for his second opinion in number of cases.

His other interest is varicose vein disease of lower extremities, known as varices. Dr. Miro Uchal has opened Vein Clinic for those suffering from cramps in legs, pain, swelling, protruding veins, feeling of heavy and/or tired legs, skin discoloration and varicose ulcers on legs. Treatment for varicose veins is not cosmetic, but medically indicated and quality of life improvement intervention without actual surgery.

Dr. Miro Uchal is using latest and the most updated equipment and generators for radiofrequency ablation catheters, sealants, and approved vein glue technology to close those veins within, and for spider veins as well. After procedure that requires only minimal local anesthetics, done in office, not in hospital, patients do drive themselves home and there is no disruption in their daily activities.

If you want to benefit from Dr. Uchal's expertise, you can visit him at North Florida Surgeons' locations at 2 Shircliff Way, Suite 500, Ascension Riverside DePaul Building, Jacksonville, FL, and 300 Saint Elizabeth Way, Suite 235, Ascension St. Vincent's St Johns County Hospital, Jacksonville, FL.