When after surgery do i have to wait to drink?

DEPENDS: If you've had gastric surgery, especially with resection and anastomosis, you may be keep off fluids for 2-3 days. We usually allow ice and popsicles. Otherwise, as soon as your alert enough to not choke, you should be able to at least enjoy sips of water and other clear liquids. But, as always , you need to clarify your restrictions with your surgeon.