Introduction
The aim of this leaflet is to inform you of when and what you are allowed to eat and drink before your operation.
Benefits
If you are having a general anaesthetic (being put to sleep for your operation), a
spinal anaesthetic or an epidural, you must follow these instructions:
- It is important not to eat six hours before the anaesthetic
- We advise you to drink clear fluids which include water, squash (without bits in), or tea / coffee without milk up to two hours before the anaesthetic
Morning Operation
Please do not eat or have milk after 2.30 am.
You must not have fizzy drinks or pop after 2.30 am.
You are advised to have clear fluids which include water and juice (without bits in) and tea / coffee without milk between 5.30-6.30 am.
Do not use chewing gum, suck on sweets, or smoke on the day of surgery
Afternoon Operation
Please do not eat or have milk after 7.30 am.
You are advised to have a light breakfast (nothing fried) with tea or coffee to finish by 7.30 am.
You should not have fizzy drinks or pop after 7.30 am.
You are advised to have clear fluids, which include water/juice (without bits in) and tea / coffee without milk between 10.30-11.30 am.
Do not use chewing gum, suck on sweets, or smoke on the day of surgery
Food takes many hours to digest in the stomach. If there is food in your stomach, you have a higher chance of being sick when you are given your anaesthetic. This can be very dangerous as food may enter your lungs and cause damage.
Medication
It is important to follow the instructions of a doctor or pre-assessment nurse with regards to continuation of your regular medications.
Some medications might have to be stopped before your operation (e.g. blood thinning tablets such as Warfarin / Clopidogrel) and sometimes may be replaced with alternative medication.
Contact Details for Further Information
If you have any questions about any of the information provided, please contact Pre-Assessment on:
Grimsby 03033 304316, or
Scunthorpe 03033 302775, or
Goole 03033 304112
.
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact nlg-tr.PALS@nhs.net
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at nlg-tr.interpreters@nhs.net
Review information
Date of issue: June 2021
Review period: June 2024
