For more than 15 years, traditional fasting regimens prior to scheduled surgeries have been called into question, yet prolonged preoperative fasting remains common practice. While prolonged fasting is aimed at reducing the risk of pulmonary aspiration, prolonged fasting is uncomfortable, has an inconsistent effect on gastric volumes and acidity and may lead to dehydration without a clear reduction in the incidence of aspiration. Fasting by itself decreases hepatic glycogen stores, induces a state of insulin resistance and impairs cardiovascular function. Yet, prolonged preoperative fasting remains common.