Fasting before surgery - when should I have my last meal before surgery?

The usual advice is to avoid food for 6 hours prior to your procedure, and have clear fluids only (e.g. water, coffee without milk) up until 2 hours before your operation, when you should avoid any food or liquids all together. Pre-op nutritional drinks are available, and these have been shown to reduce post-operative sickness and vomiting, and help you to recovery more quickly after surgery.

Thank you for your question. It's critical to adhere to fasting recommendations before surgery. It is often advised to avoid solid meals and non-clear liquids, such as coffee with milk, at least eight hours before surgery if you are going to be asleep under general anesthesia, under twilight, or under monitored anesthesia care. This implies that you should have your final meal by 3:45 am if your entrance time is 11:45 am. Most surgeons recommend patients fast starting at midnight the night before even if your case is starting later in the day just in case your case gets moved up. You can have mild solids the night before surgery, such as toast, oatmeal, juice, or coffee with milk or cream, but steer clear of heavy, high-fat meals like meat and fried dishes. If your surgery will be done awake under local anesthesia then you can have a light meal and liquids the morning of surgery. Remember that these are general recommendations; your surgeon may have more detailed instructions for your situation. You must follow the recommendations provided by your medical staff.

Thank you for your question. It's critical to adhere to fasting recommendations before surgery. It is often advised to avoid solid meals and non-clear liquids, such as coffee with milk, at least eight hours before surgery if you are going to be asleep under general anesthesia, under twilight, or under monitored anesthesia care. This implies that you should have your final meal by 3:45 am if your entrance time is 11:45 am. Most surgeons recommend patients fast starting at midnight the night before even if your case is starting later in the day just in case your case gets moved up. You can have mild solids the night before surgery, such as toast, oatmeal, juice, or coffee with milk or cream, but steer clear of heavy, high-fat meals like meat and fried dishes. If your surgery will be done awake under local anesthesia then you can have a light meal and liquids the morning of surgery. Remember that these are general recommendations; your surgeon may have more detailed instructions for your situation. You must follow the recommendations provided by your medical staff.