However, the possibility exists which is why you are asked to keep the stomach empty. Your loved ones will be asked to wait in a designated surgical waiting area. There is usually an estimated time for the length of the surgery. Remember to add a few hours for the preoperative and postoperative periods. Occasionally there are delays in the actual time the surgery starts.
Delays can happen for many reasons.
There are many people involved in the process so keep this in mind. You will spend some time in the recovery room to be stabilized and wake up. Your family can see you when you are settled and stable in a room or the ICU depending on where you are sent. This usually translates into a long wait for loved ones. They should bring things to keep them busy or occupied while waiting for news.