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Effective Jan. 5, 2026: Temporary Age-Based Visitor Restrictions at UNC Health for all inpatient and waiting areas throughout its inpatient hospitals.

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Day of Procedure - Before Leaving Home

What can I eat or drink?

Do not eat any food after midnight - including candy, gums, mints. You may have 12 ounces of acceptable clear liquids until 3 hours before your procedure, unless otherwise directed.

If you take a GLP-1 medication OR have a diagnosis of achalasia or gastroparesis, you must follow the below guidelines:

  • For 24 hours before your procedure, you MUST follow a clear liquid diet.
  • Starting at midnight before your procedure, you may NOT have anything by mouth, including clear liquids. You may complete your bowel prep and take medications, if specifically instructed, with a sip of water on the day of procedure.

Acceptable clear liquids:

  • *Broth is NOT considered a clear liquid*
  • Water
  • Apple or white grape juice
  • Tea or black coffee - no artificial creamer, milk or cream (sugar, sugar substitutes and honey are okay)
  • Clear, light-colored (no red, purple or blue) sports drinks or Pedialyte
  • Sprite or Ginger Ale
  • Clear carbohydrate pre-surgery drink (only if prescribed)

Pediatric patients (< 13 years old)

  • Until 8 hours pre-procedure: May have solid food
  • Until 6 hours pre-procedure: May have Formula or Non-Human milk
  • Until 4 hours pre-procedure: May have breast milk
  • Until 3 hours pre-procedure: May have up to 12 oz of acceptable clear liquids

What medications should I take the day of my procedure?

  • Please bring a list of your home medications, including the dose and frequency.
  • If you did not have a call from a nurse or a visit in the Pre-Anesthesia Testing Clinic, take ONLY your heart, blood pressure, seizure, reflux and pain medications with a small sip of water, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
  • Patients with diabetes should NOT take any insulin or diabetic pills the morning of the procedure, unless directed by your doctor.
  • Patients with breathing problems may use inhalers the morning of the procedure, before coming to the hospital.
  • If you received specific instructions from UNC Health Rex about your medications, please follow those instructions.

Other Morning of Procedure Instructions

  • Take off all your jewelry, including all body piercings, and leave all valuables at home.
  • Take a shower with an antibacterial soap like Dial or Safeguard. After showering, DO NOT apply makeup, lotion, powder or perfumes. A light application of deodorant is acceptable.
  • Wear clean and comfortable clothes for discharge. Wear a button-down shirt if having a breast or shoulder procedure.
  • Brush your teeth.
  • If you wear glasses, contact lenses, dentures or hearing aids, please bring a case with you. These items cannot be worn during your procedure.
  • If you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, please bring it with you and leave it in the car.
  • If you use an insulin pump, home oxygen, or have an ostomy, bring any necessary supplies with you.
  • If you are spending the night (items suggested for overnight stay), please leave your overnight bag in the car. Your support person can go get it later when you get to your room.
  • Do not wear a tampon.
  • If on home oxygen, you will need to bring enough for your discharge home, UNC Health Rex is not able to provide.