What is fasting?
“Fasting” means not eating or drinking anything for a certain amount of time. Sometimes, you have to fast before a medical test or procedure.
Will I need to fast before my surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery you’re having and the anesthesia you’ll receive. Normally the doctor will tell you if you need to fast before your scheduled surgery or procedure. If you’re only getting local anesthesia, which numbs a small part of your body, you probably won’t need to fast. Local anesthesia can be given through a shot, cream, gel, or spray on your skin.
You’ll need to fast if you’re getting any of the following:
- General anesthesia: This type of anesthesia makes you unconscious, so you can’t feel, see, or hear anything during surgery. Some medicines are given through a thin tube in your vein (IV), while others are inhaled gasses.
- Regional anesthesia: This type of anesthesia blocks pain in a specific area, like an arm, leg, or lower body. The doctor injects medicine around the nerves in that area.
- Sedation: This means you’ll get medication to help you relax and feel sleepy.
Why do I need to fast?
Fasting is important because having food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia can be risky. Anesthesia makes it harder for your body to prevent stomach contents from entering your lungs. If that happens, it’s called aspiration and can lead to infection, lung damage, or breathing problems.
How long before my surgery do I have to stop eating and drinking?
It varies depending on the hospital or clinic where you’re having your surgery, so it’s crucial to follow your doctor or nurse’s instructions carefully. Here’s an example of fasting instructions:
- Don’t eat any solid foods for 6 to 8 hours before your surgery. Avoid milk and cream, even in small amounts like in coffee or tea because it can form solid bits in your stomach.
- You can drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before your surgery. Clear liquids include water, juice without pulp, and coffee or tea without milk or cream.
- Don’t eat or drink anything, not even clear liquids, in the 2 hours before your surgery.
Different hospitals or clinics may have different rules, and they might have additional instructions. For example, you might need to fast for a longer time after a heavy meal with a lot of meat or fat. You may also need to avoid chewing gum or eating some candy after a certain time.
Special fasting rules apply to babies and young children who need surgery. Most hospitals allow breast milk up to 4 hours before surgery. If your baby drinks formula, the timing might be different. Children can usually have clear liquids up to 1 hour before surgery. Your child’s doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions.
Should I keep taking my medications before surgery?
It depends on what your doctor or nurse tells you. They will let you know which medications you should continue taking and when to stop. Some medications need to be stopped before surgery, while others should be taken as usual. You might also receive new medications to take before surgery.
Follow the instructions your doctor or nurse gives you about your medications. If you need to take medicine right before your surgery, you can have it with a sip of water. If you usually take your medicine with something else, like applesauce, talk to your doctor or nurse for guidance.
What will happen if I don’t fast?
If you don’t follow the fasting instructions, it could be risky for your health. It’s important to be honest with your doctor or nurse if you accidentally didn’t follow the rules. In such cases, your surgery might need to be postponed until a later time.
