Gastroscopy fasting time, food the day before, and even sleep endoscopy all in one place

When you make an appointment for an endoscopy at the hospital, the first question you will be asked is:

“How long should I fast before undergoing an upper gastroscopy?”

This question seems simple, but surprisingly few people know the answer.

Incorrect fasting times can also lead to erroneous test results,
In severe cases, aspiration of stomach contents can lead to suffocation.

That's why fasting before gastroscopy is important and you need to know it properly.

 

 

The fasting time for gastroscopy is at least 8 hours.

 

In general, fasting for at least 8 hours before an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended.

For example, if you have an inspection scheduled for 9:00 AM,
You must absolutely fast from midnight the night before.

 

I thought, 'Wouldn't it be a little bit okay?' A glass of water, gum, candy There are people who consume the same thing,
Even this can remain inside the stomach and interfere with the examination.

There are standards for fasting during gastroscopy, even for water.

 

You also need to be careful about your water intake.

 

It is usually said that only small amounts of clear water can be consumed up to 4 hours before the examination.
Each hospital has different guidelines, and in the case of fasting time for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, due to anesthesia
In many cases, even water is prohibited for 6 to 8 hours before the test.

 

Especially since sleep endoscopy carries a high risk of aspiration.
It is imperative that you adhere to a complete fasting schedule, including water.

 

What should I eat the day before a gastroscopy?

 

What you eat the day before the test is very important.
The most basic thing is to eat a light, soft dinner.

 

Oily foods, meat, high-fiber vegetables, and seaweed can remain in the stomach for a long time.
On the day of the examination, residue may remain in the stomach, making an accurate diagnosis difficult.

 

The recommended menu is

White porridge, seaweed soup, soft steamed eggs, tofu It is a food that is easy to digest.
It is safe to fast after 8pm.

 

Can I eat right after a gastroscopy?

 

After the test, I feel like eating right away.
However, it is usually recommended to fast for 30 minutes to an hour before eating.

 

If there has been a biopsy or polyp removal
You may need to fast for longer periods of time or eat mostly bland foods, as directed by your doctor.

 

Because the stomach is sensitive to stimulation
It is best to avoid spicy foods, cold foods, and carbonated foods.

Don't confuse this with the colonoscopy fasting time.

 

People often confuse the fasting time for colonoscopy and gastroscopy.

Because colonoscopy is linked to the time of taking bowel cleansing agents,
The dietary restrictions the day before the test are much more stringent and longer.

 

Usually, you can only eat until lunch the day before, after that
Only clear liquids or white porridge are allowed, and fasting is required after taking the bowel cleanser.

 

It's more complicated than an endoscopy.
When undergoing a colonoscopy and gastroscopy at the same time, be sure to reconfirm the fasting time with the hospital.

 

✅ Summary of fasting times for upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy

 

division	When to start fasting	Can I drink water?
Gastroscopy (general)	8 hours before the test (after midnight the night before)	Small amounts are possible up to 4 hours before the examination.
Sleep endoscopy	8 hours before inspection	Prohibited from 6 hours before examination
gastroscopy	Light meal from 6-8pm the night before	Not applicable
Meals after gastroscopy	30 minutes to 1 hour after the test is completed	Prohibited immediately after examination
colonoscopy	Start fasting after lunch the day before	Only clear liquids are allowed

 

 

Conclusion: Fasting for Gastroscopy: Knowing the Right Thing to Be Safe

 

To sum up,

 

- The fasting time for gastroscopy is at least 8 hours.
- In case of sleep endoscopy, water is prohibited for 6 to 8 hours prior.
- Eat a light and soft meal the night before.
- Eating is possible 30 minutes to 1 hour after the examination.

 

Although a gastroscopy may seem like a simple test,
If you do not follow the fasting rules properly, the test itself may be cancelled.
It can also pose a health risk.

 

One small habit makes for a healthy colonoscopy.
For an accurate examination and quick recovery, please be sure to observe the gastroscopy fasting time!

 

 

 

 

Click here to see more articles about health checkups!

✔️A complete guide to fasting before a health checkup｜Must read this if you're confused about meal, water, and fasting times.

✔️A complete list of foods to eat before a colonoscopy! Things you can eat up to 3 days before and the day before.