Tip #4: Anesthesia Hazards During Scheduled Surgeries
If you have an upcoming elective procedure or planned surgery, you must inform your surgical team about your medication routine well in advance. In December 2024, the FDA updated warning labels for GLP-1 medications to emphasize the heightened risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia. Because semaglutide delays gastric emptying, food and liquid can remain in your stomach far longer than standard fasting guidelines account for, increasing the risk that stomach contents could enter your lungs while under sedation.
To address these Ozempic complications, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends holding weekly GLP-1 medications for one to two weeks prior to any elective surgical procedure requiring anesthesia. This temporary break gives your stomach adequate time to clear its contents safely.
Take an active role in your surgical planning by giving your surgeon and anesthesiologist a comprehensive list of all your medications, including your exact dose of semaglutide. Following their specific instructions regarding when to pause and resume your injections will help ensure your surgical procedure goes smoothly and safely.
