Usually, yes, if you spit it out and do not swallow it. One source says elective procedures should not be delayed in healthy adults chewing gum, and another says children must spit gum out before surgery. If gum is swallowed, surgery should be delayed for 8 hours. Clear liquids are usually allowed until 2 hours before surgery, while solids are usually stopped 6 to 8 hours before, depending on the source and the type of food. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.