Fasting Guidelines

For your safety and to avoid delay of your surgery, it is important to follow instructions about eating or drinking before your surgery.

Adults

Do not eat anything (including gum or candy) after midnight the night before surgery. Adults may have sips of clear liquids (water, Pedialyte, or Gatorade ONLY-no other liquids) until 5:00 am on the morning of surgery.

Infants younger than 6 months old

  • May have breast milk or formula until 4 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital
  • May have clear liquids (water or Pedialyte ONLY) until 2 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital

Children older than 6 months and younger than 3 years of age

  • May have solids until 8 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital
  • May have breast milk/formula until 6 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital
  • May have clear liquids (water, Pedialyte, Gatorade ONLY) until 2 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital.

Children 3 years of age and older

  • May have solids until 8 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital
  • May have clear liquids (water, Pedialyte, Gatorade ONLY) until 2 hours prior to the time you are instructed to arrive at the hospital

Medications

  • Do not bring medications from home unless specifically instructed.
  • Please complete the Admission Medication History Form included in this packet prior to your appointment. Remember to specify the usual dose and frequency for each medication.
  • If you are taking blood-thinning medications or medications for diabetes and have not received instructions about when to stop them, please contact your surgeon’s office immediately. Continue all other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Remember to take your medications with only a small sip of water on the day of your surgery.
  • If you have sleep apnea and use CPAP equipment, please bring your CPAP device with you on the day of surgery.