Food and Water Restrictions?

Hi ladies,

I have a completely stupid question. If you are scheduled for a later afternoon procedure , what are the fluid restrictions? My doctor gave me a really generalized sheet with instructions and they are somewhat vague. They have not to take aspirin but I can take Tylenol. I'm not supposed to eat or drink after midnight.

But, when I went for preop, I *think* I remember the nurse telling me because I was scheduled later, at 2 pm, that I could drink water only up to 5 am and then nothing. No food after midnight.

Since a 2 pm surgery in doctor time usually means about 4 pm, I'd really like to be able to have some water up to the point that I absolutely can't, but I am not 100% sure I remember that the nurse said I could have water up to 5 am because of the later surgery.

Anyone else have a late afternoon surgery scheduled and have instructions like this?

I'm scheduled tomorrow... getting a little nervous!

You need to check with your doctor specifically, or you could try calling the hospital. Your surgery can be cancelled if you drink water after the expected cut off time. Even water prior to surgery can be dangerous because if you aspirate, the water could enter your lungs which can be fatal.

Thanks for the quick response! Everyone online says 6 hours fluid fast before surgery, but I just wanted to be sure. I throw up every time I wake up from surgery as it is!

I did call (didn't think they'd be in!) and they confirmed I could have clear fluids up to 5 am.