Nervous about no water for mid-day surgery

[Anonymous]

I’m having an outpatient surgery tomorrow and I won’t actually be on the table until about 1 p.m.

I’m oddly very nervous about not being able to have water from midnight onward, other than the small sip with my cleared medications.

Can anyone who has gone through a surgery in the afternoon give me a pep talk? I know all will be well, I’m just overall nervous and here’s what I’m fixating on right now!

[Anonymous]

Btdt. My doctor was running super behind, and I was feeling dizzy and terrible in the waiting room with no water. I finally asked for an IV and was so glad I did. If you're not feeling well, get there early and ask for fluids.

[Anonymous]

Did they specifically say no water? Because I don’t think that’s the case.

But either way, you’ll be just fine.

[Anonymous]

The reality is you probably dont need to do that.

I found out because I had the same surgery at two different centers and they had different rules. The first one let me drink water ntil two hours before. I thought it was despicable that the second place told me no water all day just in case my surgery started early. I was panicking like you, as they did not inform me of that rule until they called the night before with my final instructions. I called back and insisted on talking to the nurses about the rule until they admitted there was no specific medical reason and that it was up to the anesthesiologist to let me proceed or not, I was just risking being canceled if they said no. So I drank water morning of and the anesthesiologist didn't even blink when I said my last drink was 3 hours ago.

I definitely wouldn't mess with food, but water I would try to find out if it's truly necessary or just their blanket rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reality is you probably dont need to do that.

I found out because I had the same surgery at two different centers and they had different rules. The first one let me drink water ntil two hours before. I thought it was despicable that the second place told me no water all day just in case my surgery started early. I was panicking like you, as they did not inform me of that rule until they called the night before with my final instructions. I called back and insisted on talking to the nurses about the rule until they admitted there was no specific medical reason and that it was up to the anesthesiologist to let me proceed or not, I was just risking being canceled if they said no. So I drank water morning of and the anesthesiologist didn't even blink when I said my last drink was 3 hours ago.

I definitely wouldn't mess with food, but water I would try to find out if it's truly necessary or just their blanket rule.

Exactly. The reason they don’t want you to eat is because they don’t want you to aspirate food during surgery. Water is fine.

[Anonymous]

I am going to assume you doctor will perform a quick blood test before surgery and "discover"' an electrolyte imbalance and wonder why.

[Anonymous]

I had that experience last year and it was fine. If your surgery time is 1, I’m guessing you have to be there around 11? Nice you arrive you are so focused on other things, and then they start an IV well in advance, and that helps. You’ll have lots of other things to focus on.
Others are saying g you don’t need to avoid water, but of course you should be listening to your doctor, surgery center team, and doing as they instruct. Good luck!
I’m having surgery on Wednesday. A bit earlier time than yours. I’m focused on how good it will feel to be post-surgery for the new year.

[Anonymous]

Ask your surgeon not DCUM and see what they say wrt water and time of arrival at surgery facility.

I have done afternoon procedures many times. They will give you fluids by IV. Just tough it out. Swish water in mouth and spit if it's dry,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reality is you probably dont need to do that.

I found out because I had the same surgery at two different centers and they had different rules. The first one let me drink water ntil two hours before. I thought it was despicable that the second place told me no water all day just in case my surgery started early. I was panicking like you, as they did not inform me of that rule until they called the night before with my final instructions. I called back and insisted on talking to the nurses about the rule until they admitted there was no specific medical reason and that it was up to the anesthesiologist to let me proceed or not, I was just risking being canceled if they said no. So I drank water morning of and the anesthesiologist didn't even blink when I said my last drink was 3 hours ago.

I definitely wouldn't mess with food, but water I would try to find out if it's truly necessary or just their blanket rule.

Exactly. The reason they don’t want you to eat is because they don’t want you to aspirate food during surgery. Water is fine.

You can aspirate water too, although it does move through your digestive system faster than food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask your surgeon not DCUM and see what they say wrt water and time of arrival at surgery facility.

I have done afternoon procedures many times. They will give you fluids by IV. Just tough it out. Swish water in mouth and spit if it's dry,

OP here. I certainly was not “asking DCUM” whether I should follow orders: I am following orders. What I was asking is basically for some assurance that yeah, this sucks but it will be OK. Which is what several other posters have said. Asking for an IV is a great idea, and I appreciate those posters who offered reassurance without falsely accusing me of “asking DCUM” whether I should follow orders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did they specifically say no water? Because I don’t think that’s the case.

But either way, you’ll be just fine.

NP. Why would you say that? I have surgery coming up next week and my instructions are also no food or drink after midnight.

[Anonymous]

I think you are really nervous about the surgery, which is understandable .

[Anonymous]

You’ll be fine. Hydrate well the day before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask your surgeon not DCUM and see what they say wrt water and time of arrival at surgery facility.

I have done afternoon procedures many times. They will give you fluids by IV. Just tough it out. Swish water in mouth and spit if it's dry,

What's the difference by IV or by drinking water?
I had surgery that was so delayed that I had to pee from being on the fluids so long.
So it all ends up in the same place?

[Anonymous]

Most of my procedures within anesthesia have been without water for many hours ahead of time. It’s particularly hard for someone like me with bad veins to be dehydrated because then placing the IV is very difficult.