Eating before operation

[BilluSugger]

Why is is that you are not allowed to eat or drink from the midnight before an operation ?

[Pigletion]

I might be wrong, but I thought it was to avoid you being sick and choking whilst under anaesthetic

[daffy654]

I think it is because of the risk of regurgitating the contents of your stomach and blocking your airway.

[warpig3]

Thats what I thought too.

[BilluSugger]

Ahh that sounds right , my problem really is the dreadful caffeine withdrawal headache . Anyone know of any tablets which would prevent this . I've googled it but not sure which to try . I presume they'd be ok?

[sqad617]

You'll forget your headache when the knife goes in LOL LOL

[ummmm]

You can't take tablets either. My ex was due for an op but because he was chewing gum they wouldn't do it.

[sqad617]

ummm....that was because he was chewing gum (filthy habit) nothing to do with the anaesthetic.....good excuse.

I was on an interviewing committe when one of the apllicants came in chewing gum.
He was asked to remove and no, he didn't get the job.

[ummmm]

So, they wouldn't have refused on the fact he was chewing gum?

[sqad617]

ummm....you have got it in one.

[Gormless]

A bloke once came to look around at a job working with me. He was wearing white socks, slip-on shoes with buckles, reeked of beer, and was carrying 2 mobile phones, both of which went off during the visit. He wasn't invited to interview.

[ummmm]

The bloody lying tw@t. I thought he missed it because he's a lazy **** and didn't get up but he was adamant that they wouldn't do it....

Thank you sqad....yet again I was right :-)

[ummmm]

Have you answered the wrong question Gormless???

[andy-hughes]

Another possible reason is that the amount of food and the rate of digestion is obviously variable from patient to patient, and can affect absorption of the anaesthetic. If the stomach of each patient is empty, then that variable will not come into effect.

[BilluSugger]

OK but surely 1 or 2 caffeine tablets would have no affect as they'd have dissolved anyway ?

[sqad617]

Billy.....just take them and don't tell anybody, but no water.........or only a spoonful.

[TheMinxy]

I would say that if you cannot go a few hours without caffine then you have a serious addictive problem there. Try and reduce your intake of caffine now - before your operation comes round, and then those few nil by mouth hours won't be too bad.
The Nil by Mouth reason ? - All of the above reasons.... anaesthetic related, and mainly the risk of regurgitation and then aspiration of food into your lungs.

[BilluSugger]

I'll admit to a caffeine addiction but seeing as I've already given up fags & booze don't think I'll worry to much. Think I'll just take them & keep quiet . Thanks

[DEN53]

My hubby had an operation yesterday - he still could take his blood pressure tablet in the morning though - in fact they even said he could have a light breakfast before 7.30 a.m and sips of water up until 10.a.m.

[sqad617]

Den........exactly.

[robgrant]

This is done because doctors are really busy people and don't have time during the operation for you to get up and go to the bathroom. :)