Much attention has been paid to perioperative intravenous nutrition and postoperative enteral nutrition but the literature concerning perioperative oral nutrition is sparse. This review will draw attention to new ideas about preoperative feeding instead of overnight fasting, it will show that immediate postoperative oral nutrition is tolerated in significant amounts, that liquid supplements may be given routinely after elective surgery, and that it is worth giving dietary advice to malnourished patients on discharge from hospital.