Most people are told not to drink or eat for a period of time before surgery, but what “drink” means depends on whether it is alcohol or clear fluids. Exact rules also vary by hospital and type of anesthesia, so the surgical team’s instructions always come first.
Alcohol before surgery
Drinking alcohol before surgery is unsafe and increases the risk of bleeding, heart and breathing problems, and issues with anesthesia and pain medications. Many sources advise avoiding alcohol completely for at least 48 hours before surgery, and longer (2–4 weeks or more) if you drink heavily, to lower complication and infection risks. If you have alcohol dependence, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal, so this must be discussed with the surgical team in advance.
Water and other clear fluids
Modern fasting guidelines often allow clear fluids (like water or clear tea without milk) up to a few hours before anesthesia, but you must follow the specific timing your doctor or anesthesiologist gives you. Clear fluids are usually allowed closer to surgery than solid food to help prevent dehydration while still reducing the risk of aspiration (stomach contents going into the lungs) under anesthesia.
Food and timing rules
Typical instructions are no solid food for several hours (often 6–8) before surgery and no non‑clear liquids like milk, smoothies, or pulpy juice during that fasting window. These rules aim to keep the stomach as empty as possible so anesthesia is safer, but exact cut‑offs depend on age, health conditions (like diabetes or reflux), and the type of procedure.
If you already drank
If you have had alcohol or anything other than allowed clear fluids within the restricted time, you should tell the pre‑op nurse, anesthesiologist, or surgeon honestly. In some cases the operation may be delayed or cancelled, but hiding this increases the risk of serious complications during anesthesia and recovery.
Key takeaway
In general, do not drink alcohol before surgery and strictly follow the fasting and fluid instructions your surgical team provided. If you are unsure what you can drink or when to stop, contact the hospital or your surgeon’s office for personalized, written instructions.
