The SurgiFuel™ Journal · Checklist

Questions to ask your surgical team

23 plain-English questions about eating, fasting, medicines and recovery. Tick the ones you want answered, print the list and take it to your appointment.

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At your pre-assessment appointment
Eating and drinking before surgery
Medicines and supplements
After the operation
Going home and getting help

Why bring a list?

Short answer: it is easy to forget what you meant to ask. Your surgical team can tell you the exact fasting times, which medicines to take and what to eat afterwards, because these differ between hospitals and operations. A written list makes sure you leave with the answers.

These questions cover the nutrition side of surgery. They sit alongside our complete guide to nutrition around surgery, which explains the background.

1 · Tick

Tick the questions you want to ask. Skip any that do not apply.

2 · Print

Print the page or keep it on your phone for the appointment.

3 · Write it down

Note the answers, especially fasting times and medicine changes.

5 questions

At your pre-assessment appointment

Ask these early, so there is time to act on the answers.

Do I need to change anything about how I eat before the operation?Your team may give advice specific to your operation and health.
Do I need to see a dietitian before or after surgery?Some people are referred, particularly if eating is difficult.
Will anyone check my weight and eating before the operation?Weight loss you did not plan is worth mentioning to your team.
Are there foods or drinks I should avoid?This can depend on your condition and any medicines.
Is there anything about my health that changes the usual advice?For example diabetes, allergies or a swallowing problem.

5 questions

Eating and drinking before surgery

Hospitals differ, so get the exact times in writing.

When exactly must I stop eating solid food?Ask for a clock time, not just a number of hours.
When exactly must I stop drinking, and what counts as a clear fluid?Ask about water, squash, tea and coffee separately.
Can I have a drink or a snack on the morning of the operation?Ask what is allowed and until when.
What should I do if my operation time moves?Lists are often changed on the day, so ask who will tell you.
Who do I call if I am unsure on the day?Get a phone number you can use out of hours.

4 questions

Medicines and supplements

Tell your team about everything you take, including food supplements.

Should I take my usual medicines on the day of surgery?Some are taken as normal and some are paused.
Which medicines or supplements should I stop, and when?Ask for dates, and have them written down.
Are food supplements or protein shakes suitable for me?If you use one, tell your team which one and how you take it.
Will a shake affect my fasting instructions?Follow your team's times. A shake is food, so it counts.

5 questions

After the operation

Knowing this before you go in makes the first few days easier.

When can I start eating and drinking again?This varies with the type of operation.
What should my first meals look like?Many people start small and build up.
What can I do if I have little appetite or feel sick?Ask what is normal and what needs a call.
Is there anything I should avoid eating while I recover?Ask for anything that applies to your operation.
Will I need a protein or nutrition plan at home?Ask whether a dietitian will contact you.

4 questions

Going home and getting help

Have the answers before you leave the ward.

Who do I call if I cannot eat or drink, or I am losing weight?Ask for a named service and a number.
What symptoms mean I should get help straight away?Ask for these in writing.
When will I be seen again, and will anyone check my nutrition?Ask about follow-up appointments.
Can someone come with me to appointments to help me remember?A second person can note down the answers.

Bring someone with you if you can

A friend or family member can take notes while you talk, and may remember something you forget to ask. If you cannot take someone, ask your team to write the key instructions down.

This list is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace advice from your surgical team, dietitian or GP.

Common questions

Do I have to ask all of these questions?

No. Pick the ones that matter to you and skip the rest. Your team may already have covered some of them in your pre-assessment letter or appointment.

When should I ask them?

Ideally at your pre-assessment appointment, which is usually a few weeks before the operation. Ask about fasting and medicines early, so there is time to act on the answers.

Should I write the answers down?

Yes. Fasting times and medicine changes are easy to mix up. Write them on the printed list or ask your team to put them in writing.

Can someone come with me?

Many people find it helpful to bring a family member or friend to take notes. Check your hospital's visiting rules before you go.

Are these questions medical advice?

No. They are prompts to help you start a conversation with your surgical team, dietitian or GP. They do not replace their advice.

Is a protein shake right for me?

Food comes first. Your team can tell you whether a food supplement suits you. If you decide to use one, SurgiFuel™ is one option, and Professor Hindocha has a financial interest in it.

Keep reading

The complete guideNutrition around surgery, with sources.How to take itMix, dose and timing.FAQ29 questions, answered.Editorial policyHow we write and check our content.

SurgiFuel™ shakes are food supplements. They are not a substitute for a varied diet. This checklist is general information and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your surgical team.