The FastDay Forum

Hi,
I have bladder sling surgery set for next Tuesday, the Monday previous to that would of been my 8th fast. Am I safe doing my 7th fast this Thursday?

I am having a surgery fast anyway and lucky to get ice chips after, probably wont eat until the evening of surgery

I do think I will skip my 8th though, I have zero energy the evening of a fast and I feel I need to have nutrition on my side, healthy though, I will make sure. I'm a bit nervous.

I would say don't fast too much just before surgery, and while recovering, but that's just my inexpert opinion, as it can suppress the immune system. Also, surgery puts stress on your body, so it probably needs the nutrition. I hope the surgery goes well.

I would ask your doctor. Good luck, hope it goes well.

Thanks, will make sure to eat super nutritious as I did fast Thursday just gone and surgery is following Tuesday.

The best of luck to you Zamale.

[carorees]

I found a review of the guidelines for preoperative fasting which although not very recent may be of interest:


Preoperative fasting.
Ljungqvist O, Søreide E
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12673740
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

To avoid pulmonary aspiration, fasting after midnight has become standard in elective surgery, but recent studies have found no scientific support for this practice. Several anaesthesia societies now recommend a 2-h preoperative fast for clear fluids and a 6-h fast for solids in most elective patients. The literature supporting such fasting recommendations was reviewed.

RESULTS

The recommendations are safe and improve well-being before operation, mainly by reducing thirst. A carbohydrate-rich beverage given before anaesthesia and surgery alters metabolism from the overnight fasted to the fed state. This reduces the catabolic response (insulin resistance) after operation, which may have implications for postoperative recovery.

CONCLUSION

Most patients having elective operations can be allowed a free intake of clear fluids up to 2 h before anaesthesia. Preoperative carbohydrates reduce postoperative insulin resistance.



So, eating well beforehand, especially carbs seems a good idea!

I hope all goes well for you. Take Care.