One of the most common questions before surgery is:
"When do I need to stop eating and drinking?"
Your surgeon or anesthesia team will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and medical history, but most patients are asked to stop eating and drinking for a period of time before surgery.
Following these instructions is important for your safety during anesthesia.
If you are unsure about your fasting instructions, contact your surgical team before surgery day.
Many patients find it helpful to understand more on how to prepare for surgery to feel confident ahead of surgery.
When anesthesia is used, the body's normal protective reflexes may be reduced.
If food or liquid remains in the stomach, there is a risk that stomach contents could move into the lungs during anesthesia.
Fasting instructions are designed to help reduce this risk and improve patient safety.
No.
Fasting instructions may vary depending on:
Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team rather than relying on general advice online. Some procedures may require pre-operative testing that may require fasting as well.
Many patients receive specific instructions regarding water and other clear liquids.
However, recommendations vary.
Do not assume that water is allowed without confirming your instructions.
Your surgical team will tell you exactly when to stop drinking before surgery.
If you accidentally eat or drink after your instructed cutoff time, contact your surgeon or surgical facility as soon as possible.
In some cases, surgery may need to be delayed for safety reasons.
Do not hide this information from your healthcare team.
Their goal is to keep you safe.
Some medications should still be taken before surgery.
Others may need to be stopped.
Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or healthcare team will provide instructions regarding your medications.
If you are uncertain, ask before surgery day.
Many patients find it helpful to:
Planning ahead can help reduce stress on surgery day.
Even after fasting begins, many patients can still brush their teeth before surgery as long as they do not swallow water.
Avoid:
When questions arise, contact your surgical team.
Eating after your fasting deadline is one of the most common reasons surgery is delayed. Learn about the other common surgery day mistakes to avoid before your procedure.
Want a simple way to stay on track?
Preparing for surgery involves a lot of small but important steps. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Prep Checklist to stay organized and feel more confident before your procedure.
The most important rule is simple:
Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and anesthesia team.
Those instructions are tailored to your procedure and health history and should always take priority over general information.
Fasting helps reduce the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia.
Some patients can drink water up to a certain time before surgery, but recommendations vary. Always follow your specific instructions.
Contact your surgeon or surgical facility immediately. Surgery may need to be delayed depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Instructions may differ based on the procedure, anesthesia, and individual medical factors.
Contact your surgeon, anesthesia team, or surgical facility before surgery day.
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to remember every detail on your own. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Prep Checklist to stay organized, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident before surgery day.
Download the Free Surgery Prep ChecklistThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.