When can food and drink be consumed after surgery with general anesthesia?
Usually, during the first hour of recovery, alert patients are given ice chips to start off with if they do not have nausea and demonstrate good muscle strength and control. If tolerated, clear liquids can even be allowed before discharge from the recovery room. After that point, food and drink can be consumed at the patient’s discretion. This does not apply to patients undergoing major abdominal surgery or surgery where there is a risk of decreased bowel function; in these cases your surgeon will probably not allow anything by mouth until evidence of bowel function returns.
