Fasting preoperatively is to minimise the risk of stomach content entering the lungs whilst under anaesthesia or sedation. This is a rare but potentially disastrous complication. Surgery will be delayed if fasting has been inadequate. Fasting times will be advised by the surgical teams based on the list order in order to reduce excess fasting.

Generally:

No solid food, dairy products or pulped drinks to be consumed -  6 hours before your surgery

Breast milk in UNDER 1 year olds - 4 hours before surgery

Clear fluids, black tea and clear juices (anything you can see through) - 2 hours before surgery

Take medications with a sip of water (preferable 2 hours before surgery) if needed.

If you are on diabetes or weight loss injections (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Semaglutide) - you will need to have an extended fasting period of 24 hours of a liquid only diet prior to your procedure.