EATING AND DRINKING

 

The hospital will give clear instructions on eating and drinking and this must be followed.

 

The reason is that if there is food or liquid in your stomach during your anaesthetic, it could come up into the back of your throat and then go into your lungs. This would cause choking, or serious damage to your lungs.

 

General Rule:

 

  • Light non-fatty solid food may be taken more than six hours before your operation. This includes toast or cereal.

 

  • Clear fluids can be taken for more than 2 hours before your operation. Clear fluids are water, pulp free fruit juice, clear cordial, black tea and coffee. Cloudy or milk-based drinks or alcohol are not to be taken. If you can’t see through it, don’t take it.

 

  • You can swallow medicines with a little sip of water up to one hour before your operation.

 

  • Fasting includes no chewing gum and lollies.

 

Endoscopy:

 

  • Colonoscopy – follow the dietary guidelines supplied by your proceduralist or the Endoscopy unit.