Board-certified and fellowship-trained general surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, focuses on helping people prepare for the smoothest and most successful laparoscopic and robotic surgeries in Laguna Hills, California.
Knowing what to eat and drink (and what not to) is one of the most important things you can do to prepare yourself for surgery. Our office makes the process as easy with clear guidelines and continuous caring support.
Keep reading to find out what you should avoid and when to start fasting before surgery.
You’ll avoid all solid foods starting at the recommended time before your surgery. Dr. Klause may also recommend discontinuing certain types of foods even before your official fasting cut-off time.
This usually includes greasy, fried, heavy, and high-fat meals. When you eat high-fat foods, your body automatically sends signals to delay digestion because fat takes longer to break down.
That delay could increase the risk of food lingering at the time you undergo anesthesia, so discontinuing these foods earlier means you have the extra time needed for the food to completely clear from your stomach.
Milk, other liquid dairy products, and beverages that contain them (for example, coffee with creamer) are generally treated the same as solid foods.
This means you’ll usually need to discontinue these types of liquids at the same time you stop eating solid foods (your fasting cut-off time).
Generally, patients are usually allowed drinks such as water, clear sports drinks, or plain (black) coffee after the food fasting cut-off time, but you’ll also have a liquid cut-off time.
Fasting guidelines may vary based on individual factors, the type of anesthesia, and the surgery.
In general, the food fasting cut-off is usually six hours before surgery, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
The liquid fasting cut-off is two hours before surgery.
These are general guidelines for the average healthy patient. If you have a condition that delays stomach emptying or carries an increased risk of aspiration (accidental inhalation of food, water, or anything else into the lungs), Dr. Klause will adjust your guidelines based on your situation and needs.
Dr. Klause knows that it’s important for patients to feel confident before surgery, and she helps you prepare. You’ll get detailed pre-surgery food and drink guidelines ahead of time. Following these instructions closely is essential.
Dr. Klause answers any questions you may have during your pre-op visit and is also available after hours through an answering service that can connect you with her when needed.
If you have questions about food and drink restrictions before surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to the office at 949-245-6910 to book your appointment.
