Why do you have to starve for more than 24 hrs before your surgery?

September 22, 2014
Asked By:RSMember4896 in Orange County, CA

All I have heard is that you are not allowed to eat OR DRINK (EVEN WATER) after 12am the day before your surgery… which will be more than 24hrs by the time you are actually in surgery! Am I hearing/reading this right? If so, what is the logic behind that! So we go in starved and dehydrated? I am rather thin w/ a fast metabolism so I can see this not being good for me (like on the verge of fainting bad) and wouldn't u want to go into surgery healthy? Please explain??

Answers (19)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
September 28, 2014

Answer: Fasting Required before General Anesthesia

September 28, 2014

Answer: Fasting Required before General Anesthesia

September 24, 2014

Answer: Why do you have to starve for more than 24 hrs before your surgery?

September 24, 2014

Answer: Why do you have to starve for more than 24 hrs before your surgery?

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