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Last Meal Before Surgery Planner
Enter your surgery time and we'll work out the latest time to finish a proper meal and the last time you can have clear fluids, so you can plan your fast with confidence.
Use the time your team told you to be ready for theatre.
Pick what your leaflet says. Default is 6 hours.
Frequently asked questions
When should I stop eating solid food before surgery?
Most centres ask you to stop solid food at least 6 hours before your surgery time. Some hospitals instead say nothing to eat from midnight. This planner uses the common 6-hour rule, but your own hospital's instructions always come first.
Can I drink water before surgery?
Clear fluids (water, black tea or coffee without milk, clear apple juice, squash without bits) are usually allowed up to 2 hours before surgery. Staying hydrated until that cut-off can help you feel better. Always check your own leaflet, as some procedures have stricter rules.
What should my last meal before surgery be?
Keep it light and easy to digest. Heavy, greasy, very fatty or very large meals sit in the stomach longer, so a lighter meal is gentler before a fast. Think a normal-sized balanced meal rather than a big rich feast.
What counts as a clear fluid?
A clear fluid is one you can see through: water, clear juice without pulp, black tea or coffee (no milk), and clear broths. Milk, smoothies, juice with bits, and fizzy drinks with sediment are treated like solids by many hospitals.
What if my hospital says something different?
Always follow your own hospital's written instructions. Fasting rules vary between centres and procedures. If your leaflet differs from this planner, the leaflet wins. When in doubt, phone your pre-op team.