Before Surgery
Instructions for Eating and Drinking
For your safety while undergoing anesthesia, you must have an empty stomach. The possibilities of complications are increased if any food or drink remains in the stomach. Food may cause vomiting before, during, and after the anesthetic. Make sure you understand when to stop eating and drinking before your scheduled surgery time.
For your help in selecting foods and drinks before your surgery, we have provided some examples of light meals and clear liquids . We have also provided a list of gas-producing foods , which should be avoided. Unless told otherwise by your doctor:
 | If your surgery is scheduled between 7:00 AM and noon: - Eat a light meal the night before surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
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 | If your surgery is scheduled between noon and 4:00 PM: - Eat a light meal the night before surgery.
- You may drink clear liquids until 6:00 AM the day of surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything after 6:00 AM.
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 | If your surgery is scheduled between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM: - Eat a light meal the night before surgery.
- You may drink clear liquids until 10:00 AM the day of surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything after 10:00 AM.
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