Eating and Drinking after Anesthesia

How anesthesia affects the digestive system

Anesthesia affects many different parts of the body, including the digestive system. Remember that there are different types of anesthesia that work in various ways. While every type of anesthesia has the potential to affect the digestive system, this is most likely to occur with general anesthesia and sedation.  

General anesthesia and some medicines, such as opioids, used during surgery can slow your digestive system for a short time. This means your stomach takes longer to empty. Because of this, you should eat and drink slowly after anesthesia to reduce the risk of upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, and other problems. 

Other types of anesthesia, like regional anesthesia and local anesthesia, may not affect your digestive system as much. With these types of anesthesia, you may be able to eat normally sooner. The type of surgery you have can also affect your digestive system. Your healthcare team will provide you with specific instructions about eating after your surgery. 

Eating and drinking in the recovery room

You can usually eat and drink in the recovery room after you wake up from anesthesia. Your recovery nurse will give you a small amount of clear liquids. You might also get small snacks, like crackers.  

When you eat and drink for the first time, start small. Take tiny sips of liquid and drink slowly. Your recovery nurse will watch how you respond. If you feel like you might throw up, tell your nurse right away. Different facilities have different rules about eating and drinking after anesthesia. Your healthcare team will tell you exactly what you can eat and drink.

Eating and drinking at home

Before you leave the hospital or surgery center, you will receive written aftercare instructions from your healthcare team. Follow these instructions carefully when you get home. Here is what is generally recommended: 

• Your healthcare team may suggest starting with full liquids and then moving to other foods if your body handles them well. 
• It may be recommended to eat soft foods that are easy to digest. 
  • Examples include crackers, toast, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup 
• Avoid spicy, greasy, or heavy foods. 

If you had general anesthesia, your throat may be sore because of the breathing tube. Stick with soft foods until your throat feels better. 

Nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and surgery are common, especially if you had general anesthesia. Here are some tips to prevent an upset stomach: 

• Eat small amounts of food 
• Chew your food well 
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day 
• Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine for a few hours 

If you are taking opioid pain medicine at home, you might get constipation. To help prevent this, drink plenty of fluids. If allowed by your healthcare team, you should drink at least 64 oz. of non-alcoholic fluid every day and eat foods that are high in fiber. Examples of high-fiber foods include: 

• Beans and legumes 
• Bran cereal 
• Whole grains 
• Oatmeal 
• Fresh fruit and vegetables 

Your healthcare provider might tell you to take a fiber supplement or laxative to help with constipation. 

Special considerations

Some surgeries affect your mouth, throat, or digestive system more than others, so you may have special eating and drinking instructions. For example, after a tonsillectomy, you may need to eat only liquid and soft foods for a few days. This helps with comfort and healing.  

Always follow the instructions your healthcare team gives you.