Why can't I eat or drink before surgery?

The food and drink restrictions are very important for your safety. Eating or drinking anything within the time periods outlined below can put you at great risk of aspiration (food or drink going into your lungs). This is a complication that can almost be eliminated if you follow the guidelines. Please take these instructions seriously.

Adults: Ages 18-years-old and Above

• No food or drink after midnight or 8 hours before arrival for surgery
• No gum, candy, suckers or lifesavers

Morning Medications

• Take blood pressure and heart medications with a sip of water
• Do not take diabetic pills
• Do not take diuretic (water) pills
• Do not take insulin unless you have received instructions as to how much less you should take on the morning of surgery.
  
• If you have sleep apnea, please bring your CPAP machine and mask

Children

Infants Under 6 Months of Age

• Breast milk or formula is allowed until 4 hours before arrival for surgery
• Clear liquids permitted until 2 hours prior to arrival for surgery
• Clear liquids include water, pedialyte, apple juice, clear tea, black coffee (no cream, no sugar), clear jello (no chunks of anything); and other liquids that you can see through

Children from 6 months of age to under 18-years-old

• No food, popsicles or liquids (that you cannot see through) 6 hours before arrival for surgery
• No gum, candy, suckers or lifesavers
• Clear liquids permitted until 2 hours before arrival for surgery
• Clear liquids include water, pedialyte, apple juice, clear tea, black coffee (no cream, no sugar), clear jello (no chunks of anything); and other liquids that you can see through