Is it okay to use Tums or lifesavers for stomach pain during your fast before surgery?

Question

I was trying to do a 12 hour fast with no food or water. I noticed a lot of stomach pain from this. I was curious if it's safe to use Tums or lifesavers before surgery to help with stomach pain and nausea since a lot of people feel sick when they don't eat. My surgery is scheduled in a few weeks.

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

Unfortunately you are not allowed to even chew gum before surgery. If you have anything in your stomach when you go under anesthesia you could end up with it in your lungs. This causes significant damage to your lungs and just is not worth the risk. If you have surgery first thing in the morning you should not have to worry about not eating anything for a long period of time. I would discuss this issue with your surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You need to speak to your surgeon about this. For my patients, nothing to eat or drink after midnight before  your surgery means NOTHING. Perhaps you can be first on the surgery schedule so that you will be sleeping most of the time. Good luck!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The medical literature indicates the need for 6 hours of fasting prior to a general anesthesia. You need to discuss the problem with your surgeon.

Is it okay to use Tums or lifesavers for stomach pain during your fast before surgery?

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