Eating and Drinking

Fasting on the day of surgery

For most surgery it is safest for you to have an empty stomach, to avoid a risk of food coming up and blocking the airway while you have any sedation or anaesthetic. This means:

• Avoiding all food and smoking/vaping for at least six hours before the surgery

• Avoiding all drinks except clear fluids (water, black tea/coffee) for at least six hours before the surgery

• Avoiding all food and drink (including water) for at least two hours before the surgery

If you have medications that need to be taken within two hours of the surgery, please discuss with the surgeon or anaesthetist before the surgery, and they will make a plan with you.

In the weeks and days leading up to surgery

Being in good physical health coming into surgery will improve your recovery. It is recommended that you eat a healthy diet both before and after surgery, paying particular attention to a high level of protein. This should go alongside regular exercise (within your normal ability) and a good amount of sleep.

Some studies have suggested that eating a high carbohydrate meal the day before surgery can be beneficial (as you are fasted for six hours leading into surgery as well as the operating time, and may not feel hungry for a few hours after surgery).