Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Patient Education: Carbohydrate Drink (Gatorade)
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (called “ERAS”) care plans include the use of Gatorade®
before surgery. Gatorade® helps restore your body’s electrolytes when you are fasting prior to
surgery. Please read below for the rules regarding when to stop eating and drinking.
What are the absolute rules for eating and drinking prior to surgery?

STOP drinking water and clear liquids two hours before you are told to arrive at the hospital.
When should I drink Gatorade prior to surgery?

For the ERAS care plan, your surgical team may ask you drink a 12 ounce bottle of Gatorade
at the 2-hour mark before your designated arrival time.

If you cannot find a small 12 ounce bottle, you may drink half of a 20 ounce bottle instead.
20 oz.
12 oz.
1