It is very important that you have an empty tummy when you come for an operation or procedure so that we can look after you safely. There are some rules to follow… do you think you can remember them?
- Rule 1 – No food for 6 hours
- Rule 2 – Sip water until you come to the hospital
- Rule 3 – Ask the doctors and nurses if you are not sure!
Important
It is important that you follow these instructions… if you don’t the doctors and nurses won’t be able to keep you safe during your anaesthetic and might have to cancel your procedure or operation.
Please take all of your usual medicines on the morning of surgery (and then bring them with you to the hospital) unless you have been told not to by the nurses in the pre assessment clinic or by your surgeon.
If you are not sure whether to take something, just ask. Give us a call on 01642 854927. We love to chat!
Drinks
Water
You can sip water slowly right up until you come to the hospital for your operation or procedure.Diluted juice
You can drink diluted juice (NO BITS) right up until you come to hospital for your operation or procedure.Dioralyte or Pedialyte
You can sip these right up until you come for your operation or procedure.
Fresh juice or juice with bits
You must not have this for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.Fizzy drinks
You must not have these for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.Milk or milkshakes
You must not have this for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.Formula milk
You must not give this to your baby or child for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.
If you have this without milk you can sip it right up until you come to hospital for your operation but if there is milk in it (even a little bit) then you must not have it for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.
Breast milk
Breast milk is easier to digest so this can be given to your baby or child
up to 4 hours before surgery.
Clear carbohydrate or build up drinks
(Nutrica Pre op, Preload, Vitaflo)
You can have these up to 2 hours before your procedure or operation.
Foods
Sweets
No sweets for 6 hours before your procedure or operationFood
No food for 6 hours before your procedure or operationIce lollies and ice cream
No ice lollies or ice cream for 6 hours before your procedure or operationJelly
No jelly for 6 hours before your procedure or operation.Honey
No honey for 6 hours before your procedure or operationBuild up milky drinks
No build up drinks or soups for 6 hours before your procedure or operationBaby purees or baby rice
These are food so you can’t have these for 6 hours before your operation or procedure.PEG or NG feeds
These need to be stopped 6 hours before the operation or procedure but clear water can still be given down the PEG or NG if needed right up until you come to the hospital.
Chewing gum
No chewing gum for 2 hours before your procedure or operation
Don't worry
If you make a mistake and eat or drink something that you shouldn’t have…
don’t worry… just tell us and we can sort it out so that you stay safe.
Call us
If you are not sure what you can eat or drink please just give us a call on
01642 854927 we love to chat.
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
