Instructions for patients taking a GLP-1 medication.
This page explains what you can eat and drink before surgery if you take a GLP‑1 medication. Your surgeon may give you different instructions. If they did, follow those instructions.
Following these instructions helps reduce anesthesia risks and keeps your care team informed about how your medication may affect your stomach before surgery at UVM Health.
Common GLP-1 Medications
| Injectable(s) | Taken by Mouth |
|---|---|
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Injectable GLP‑1 Instructions
The Day Before Surgery
- Do not eat solid food. Drink clear liquids only.
- Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
- Use the Allowed Liquids list below.
Allowed Liquids
You may have:
- Water
- Apple, cranberry or grape juice
- Sports drinks (Gatorade® or PowerAde®)
- Black coffee or plain tea (no milk or cream)
- Clear broth (vegetable or chicken, no chunks)
- Ginger ale or seltzer
- Jello® or Italian ice (no fruit pieces)
Why No Solid Food?
- GLP‑1 medications can keep food in your stomach for more than 24 hours.
- Foods with fat or cream stay in your stomach even longer.
- Clear liquids leave your stomach faster.
- An empty stomach is safest for anesthesia.
The Day of Surgery
- Do not drink broth.
- You may take small sips of water, a sports drink or apple juice if you are thirsty or need to take medicines.
- Stop all drinks three hours before your scheduled arrival time.
Key Points
- Follow these instructions unless your surgeon gave you different diet instructions.
- Drink clear liquids only the day before surgery.
- Stop drinking anything three hours before you arrive at the hospital.
Non‑Injectable GLP‑1 Instructions
Rybelsus® (semaglutide) is a daily GLP‑1 medication taken by mouth. Some formulations of Wegovy® (semaglutide) are also available in pill form. These medications work a little differently than injectable GLP‑1 medications.
Medication Instructions
If you take Rybelsus® tablets or a Wegovy® pill:
- Do not take the medication the day before your surgery.
- Do not take the medication on the day of your surgery.
Diet Instructions
- You do not need to change your diet the day before surgery.
- Stop eating solid food at midnight (12:00 AM) the night before your surgery.
If You Are Unsure What to Do
If you did not receive special diet instructions because you take Rybelsus® tablets or a Wegovy® pill, or if you are unsure what to do:
- You can usually follow the same clear‑liquid diet used for injectable GLP‑1 medications.
- Ask your care team if you have questions or need clarification.