Common Myths About Pre-Surgery Fasting

Before undergoing surgery that requires anesthesia of any kind, we will provide you with pre-surgery instructions to follow to prepare for surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and the anesthesia we will be using, part of your instructions will indicate how long you have to fast before you arrive at our office for your procedure.

Friends or family members may offer you words of wisdom from their own experiences or stories they’ve heard from others regarding how and when to fast. Much of this may be based on common myths about pre-surgery fasting that have been passed around for years. Unfortunately, these myths are not always grounded in fact, and your doctor or surgeon should always be your source of accurate information on pre-surgery fasting.

Myth #1: You don’t have to fast if it’s minor surgery.

Wrong. Although your surgery may be minor, fasting before surgery is about the effects of the anesthesia on your body, not the surgery. Even small amounts of anesthesia can make a patient nauseated. If you vomit, you could aspirate particles into your lungs or choke during surgery. Never assume that a minor surgery means you can forego fasting if anesthesia is being used.

Myth #2: You can’t even sip water while fasting before surgery.

Some doctors may prefer that you not eat or drink anything, including water, for 8 to 12 hours before surgery, but this is not always the case. In some situations, you may be told to stop eating and drinking between 8 and 12 hours before surgery, but sips of water to stay hydrated are fine. Some doctors even allow black coffee (no cream, no sweeteners). But never assume this is the case for you. If you need more clarification, please call our office and ask, or avoid even water as a safety precaution.

Myth #3: You should eat a big meal before fasting.

You should have a healthy, balanced meal before you begin pre-surgery fasting, but don’t try carb-loading or feasting on a bunch of fatty foods or junk food. Foods loaded with fat or grease take longer to digest, staying in your system longer. You are told to fast to get as much as possible out of your digestive tract before surgery to decrease the chance of aspiration or choking under anesthesia.

Myth #4: I can sneak in a small snack safely.

Please don’t try this. It isn’t a punishment when we tell you not to eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before surgery. We have your health in mind. Even if you eat just a few crackers, if they are still in your stomach and you become nauseated from anesthesia, you can breathe tiny crumbs into your lungs. This aspiration could lead to pneumonia and other serious health problems.

When you are given your pre-op instructions, please read them carefully and ask us any questions you may have. If you are unsure what is covered by our pre-surgery fasting guidelines, call our office at Flushing NY Office Phone Number 347-943-1960 and ask Dr. Fan or Dr. Li to clarify the instructions.