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What are my pre-op fasting guidelines before surgery?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have my surgery scheduled at 11:30 in the morning. Is it fine if I wake up at 2:30 in the morning, and have a coffee and a small breakfast? Still, there will be eight and a half hours before my surgery. Please advise.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib is a skilled Anesthesiologist known for his precision, calm demeanor, and commitment to patient safety. With expertise across various surgical specialties, he ensures effective pain management and smooth perioperative care. Dr. Habib’s compassionate approach and clinical excellence make him a trusted presence in the operating room and beyond.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The Nil by mouth (an instruction to withhold food and fluids) status for any surgery should be at least six hours before surgery. So, if your surgery is planned for 11:30 in the morning, you can have your breakfast even at 3:30 or 4 in the morning.

However, it is preferred that the longer the duration of fasting, the less the chances of regurgitation (the expulsion of food or liquid from the esophagus or stomach). So, If you want to have breakfast at 2:30 in the morning you can have it. Make sure that you do not take any eatables or fluids six hours before surgery.

I hope this helps.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At November 3, 2019
Reviewed At October 7, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib is a skilled Anesthesiologist known for his precision, calm demeanor, and commitment to patient safety. With expertise across various surgical specialties, he ensures effective pain management and smooth perioperative care. Dr. Habib’s compassionate approach and clinical excellence make him a trusted presence in the operating room and beyond.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib
Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib

Anesthesiology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib is a skilled Anesthesiologist known for his precision, calm demeanor, and commitment to patient safety. With expertise across various surgical specialties, he ensures effective pain management and smooth perioperative care. Dr. Habib’s compassionate approach and clinical excellence make him a trusted presence in the operating room and beyond.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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