What to eat

What to eat before your surgery

So your surgery has been scheduled. Now as the day approaches you start worrying about what to eat , when to stop eating and so on. Here is a mini guide to help you out.

What to AVOID before surgery

❌ Heavy, fatty, or fried foods

  • Fast food

  • Deep-fried items

  • Excess ghee or butter

These slow digestion and increase anesthesia-related risks.

❌ Alcohol

  • Avoid alcohol at least 48–72 hours before surgery

  • Alcohol interferes with anesthesia and wound healing

❌Smoking

 

 

Now when to stop eating

The guidelines we follow are

✅Up to 8 hours before surgery

You may eat:

  • Normal solid food

  • Rice, chapati, dal

  • Vegetables

  • Meat, fish, eggs

⚠️ Avoid heavy, oily, or very spicy meals.

✅ Up to 6 hours before surgery

You may eat:

  • Light meals only

    • Toast

    • Biscuits

    • Plain curd

    • Milk (small quantity)

After this point, no solid food should be taken.

✅ Up to 2 hours before surgery

You may drink:

  • Clear water

  • Coconut water (without pulp)

  • Clear apple juice

  • ORS

❌ Do not drink:

  • Tea or coffee(Milk based)

  • Milk or milk-based drinks

  • Fruit juices with pulp

  • Soft drinks

❌ Nothing by mouth after this

After the 2-hour mark:

  • No food

  • No water

  • No chewing gum

  • No tobacco or paan

 

Medicines on the day of surgery

  • Take only medicines approved by your doctor

  • Usually allowed:

    • Blood pressure medicines (with a sip of water) (sometimes modified, consult your surgeon before taking any medication)

  • Usually stopped or modified:

    • Diabetes medicines

    • Blood thinners

👉 Always follow specific instructions given to you, not assumptions.

Why fasting is important

During anesthesia, normal protective reflexes are reduced. If the stomach is not empty, food or liquid can enter the lungs, causing a life-threatening emergency.

Strict fasting helps make your surgery safer and smoother.

Important note

These are general guidelines.
Your fasting instructions may change if you have:

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Pregnancy

  • Emergency surgery

When in doubt, ask your surgeon or anesthetist before eating or drinking anything.

 

 

Disclaimer
This content is intended for general information only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition.