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 the entire day prior to your procedure, please do not consume any solid food and only drink clear liquids.
  • 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.