On the Day of Surgery

You will need to confirm with the surgeon’s office when to commence fasting. If your procedure is in the morning this is usually from midnight the night before. If your procedure is in the afternoon you can usually have a light early morning breakfast.

If you take medication for diabetes in most cases you will omit these doses when fasting, although it is always wise to record your sugar levels over this time to ensure they are not too extreme.

If you take insulin for diabetes you should consult with the surgeon or your endocrinologist regarding the best approach.

It may be necessary to take a reduced dose of insulin or perhaps none at all whilst fasting.

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, you should bring your CPAP mask in with you to the hospital.

You will be able to use it on the ward afterwards overnight to minimise your risk of respiratory problems after anaesthesia.