I have been told to not eat or drink before surgery. How long should you go without eating or drinking? Why do they suggest that? Does that include water?
2006-10-01 12:02:48 · 12 answers · asked by Carolee B 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I dunno the exact time amount, but i think its over 8 hours and yes it does include water, you must have a completely empty stomach so you'll not throw up cuz you could suffocate then
2006-10-01 12:06:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they told you not to eat or drink before hand then don't even drink water. I would have asked the people you have the surgery appointment with this question. I don't claim to know a lot about this but I believe that they don't want you to eat or drink because they are trying to prevent you from throwing up during surgery and aspirating on your vomit. Vomit can get in your lungs and the surgery may need to be stopped in order to deal with the new problem. I think you should always listen to what they say!
2006-10-01 12:12:08 · answer #2 · answered by fancy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The usual time is nothing after midnight, but also you should have been cautioned as to when to stop eating or drinking. This is so there is nothing on your stomach in case you vomit during surgery and it goes to your lungs--which can be very dangerousl.
2006-10-01 12:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by toni_47tn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most cases they say nothing after midnight the night before. It varies though depending on what you have done. Sometimes they allow water but it is best to ask. The reason varies but the general answer is that you risk vomiting and aspirating the contents of your stomach.
2006-10-01 12:07:36 · answer #4 · answered by Just Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the general rule is 12 hours. yes it includes water. I believe they say this so in the event the anesthetic makes you sick you don't choke on your vomit while asleep. to be sure though check with your Dr.
2006-10-01 12:08:52 · answer #5 · answered by blue_eyed_brat78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's usually aroud 8 hours. You may be allowed clear fluids such as water, apple juice and jello. On both accounts, it's best to double check with your physician.
2006-10-01 12:04:49 · answer #6 · answered by Duckie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 hrs. No smoking, eating drinking ANYTHING. Doing these can produce fatal effects in rare cases.
2006-10-01 12:10:36 · answer #7 · answered by ♥monamarie♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there, it is usually around 8 hours, they advise this so that you are not sick during your operation, check with your doctor, also it depends on what anesthetic you are having. with some operations like burst appendix there is no time to fast.
i hope this helps
yvonne
2006-10-01 12:22:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the surgery. Ask your doctor.
2006-10-01 12:04:08 · answer #9 · answered by Plasmapuppy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 hrs.
2006-10-01 12:04:25 · answer #10 · answered by julia4evert 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋