ENROUTE® PREPARE Resources

Fasting before surgery is like making sure your stomach is empty during your procedure. Not eating or drinking for a certain time before surgery helps prevent complications.

Following your healthcare provider's fasting instructions is important to keep you safe and avoid problems during surgery. However, fasting for too long isn't ideal because it does not prepare your body well for the stress of surgery and can lead to poor outcomes.

When you fast for a prolonged time, your body may start using its own tissues for energy, which is not ideal right before surgery. Fasting can also make you feel weak, anxious, and uncomfortable.

Preparing your body for surgery is similar to getting ready for a marathon; both require proper training and nutrition before and after the event for the best recovery.

Following the fasting guidelines provided by your healthcare team is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful surgery with fewer risks and better outcomes.

Carbohydrate loading before surgery is like filling up your body's energy tank before the procedure. Just as you would prepare for a marathon by training and eating well, getting ready for surgery involves ensuring your body has the energy it needs to recover effectively.

By drinking a specific type and amount of carbohydrates (found in ENROUTE PREPARE) before surgery, your body will have enough energy (calories) for surgery and recovery.

Studies have shown that carbohydrate loading before surgery has several benefits that can help you feel better and recover faster after surgery (see the FAQ below).

So, while you still fast for a short period right before surgery (to keep the stomach empty), carbohydrate loading before that fasting period helps ensure your body isn't running on empty during surgery.

Carbohydrate loading with a specific type and amount of carbohydrates (found in ENROUTE PREPARE) helps your body to better handle the stress of surgery.

Carbohydrate loading can keep your energy and blood sugar levels stable, make you feel more comfortable before surgery, and help maintain your muscle strength. Below is a list of why carbohydrate loading before surgery is beneficial:

• Prepares your body for the metabolic stress of surgery
• Reduces insulin resistance
• Reduces thirst, hunger, and anxiety
• Boosts hydration
• Improves patient experience, comfort and well-being
• Reduces nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhea, dizziness after surgery
• Preserves muscle mass after surgery

Overall, carbohydrate loading before surgery is part of an enhanced recovery approach after surgery, aiming to make your surgical experience better and improve your outcomes.