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Instructions for patients

Instructions for patients having surgery at Vista Day Surgery

Fasting 

The length of time you need to fast from solid food and clear fluid vary, depending on what type of procedure you are having and what medication you are taking.

Please note: This information is a guide and should not replace information supplied by your anaesthetist. If you have any questions about your anaesthesia, please speak with your treating specialist.

Preparing for your procedure - when taking some diabetes and/or weight loss medication 

A group of medications known as GLP-1 Antagonists have been known to delay gastric emptying. This will increase the risk of aspiration when having an anaesthetic and this can be life threatening. Examples of these medications include:

  • Ozempic
  • Trulicity
  • Victoza
  • Mounjaro
  • Saxenda
  • Wegovy

24 Hours BEFORE procedure:

Do NOT EAT any solid food 

• Drink only clear fluids

• "Clear fluid" drinks - OK to have: ✔️

• Water • Black tea or black coffee

• Clear cordial (eg lemon)
• Apple juice. • Jelly             • Icy poles

• Electrolyte “sports” drinks.

• Carbohydrate (sugar) rich drinks – Soft drinks, mineral water or soda water

• Clear broths or clear miso soup (without any solids such as seaweed or tofu)
 

6 Hours BEFORE / day OF procedure:

STOP all "Clear fluids"

• You may only drink small amounts, up to half a cup, of WATER ONLY until 2  hours before, or until the time you have been informed to stop. 

Patients with diabetes (especially if taking insulin)  should ask their doctor to provide instructions.

Further information can be found by clicking the links below: 

  1. Preparing for your medical procedure when taking some diabetes and/or weight loss medications
  2. Preparing for your medical procedure when taking some diabetes and/or weight loss medications - Detailed information

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Fasting 

Preparing for your procedure - Not taking diabetes and/or weight loss medication

6 Hours BEFORE / day OF procedure:

Do NOT EAT any solid food 

• You may only drink small amounts / sips of WATER ONLY until 2 hours before your procedure (up to half a cup) or until the time you have been informed to stop. 

2 Hours BEFORE procedure:

STOP all sips of water 

Time in hospital

You will be required to stay in hospital until you are clinically fit for discharge. This time varies from person to person, though on average you will be in Recovery for 1-2 hours after your operation.

Transport home

You must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you overnight. This is for your own safety as you may be lightheaded after your surgery. For transport options refer to our location's page.

Taking care at home

If you had General or IV Sedation Anaesthesia, a small degree of anaesthetic may still circulate in your body for up to 24 hours. This means:

  • Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery.
  • 
Do not take sedatives unless prescribed by your doctor.
  • 
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours post discharge.

  • Do not sign any legal documents for at least 24 hours post discharge.

Discharge Information

Vista Day Surgery provides comprehensive information both before and after your surgery to assist patients to be fully informed, prepared and in control of your planning for discharge and post discharge follow up.