Surgery Planning

When having surgical procedures it is imperative that the stomach is empty prior to going to sleep.  For this reason they are always instructed to have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to surgery.  But when on a GLP agonist medication, the stomach slows down and may not empty for days in some patients.  Because of this, it is recommended that before undergoing any surgical procedure, these medications are stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery.  The risk of aspiration (vomiting into the lungs) is serious and can lead to pneumonia or death. So if surgery is planned, let your surgical team know well in advance.  FIRST DO NO HARM!