Enhanced Recovery Fasting Procedure

Please note: these instructions replace the standard instructions for when to stop eating and drinking (fasting) found in the 'Elective Surgery Admission Plan – Patient Information' sheet.

You have been recommended to have the carbohydrate loading supplement drink preOp® before your surgery. These drinks are designed for patients undergoing surgery to improve their wellbeing. They are a 200mL lemon flavoured bottle and contain carbohydrate and minerals. They are best served chilled. Because they are easy to digest, you can drink them much closer to your operation time.

Arriving at hospital between 6 am and 10:30 am

1. The day before your surgery
- Continue your usual diet (unless the doctor at the hospital has told you otherwise).
- In addition to your diet, try to consume one of the following options throughout the course of the afternoon and evening:

• 1000 mL clear apple juice OR lemonade (not a diet or reduced sugar version)

      OR

• 4 x 200 mL tetra packs or preOp® (if prescribed)

2. STOP eating food at midnight

3. On the day of your surgery

Follow instructions in the below table for fluid intake:

Arriving at hospital from 11 am onwards

1. The day before your surgery
- Continue your usual diet (unless the Doctor at the hospital told you otherwise).
- In addition to your diet, try to consume one of the following options in the evening time:

• 1000 mL clear apple juice OR lemonade (not a diet or reduced sugar version)

      OR

• 4 x 200 mL tetra packs or preOp® (if prescribed)

2. On the day of your surgery, STOP eating at 0700 (after a small breakfast, or as directed by your doctor at the hospital)

3. On the day of your surgery

Follow instructions in the below table for fluid intake:

* Additional supplements or fluid may be allowed at the discretion of your Anaethetist or Surgeon, once you have arrived at the hospital. 

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