Objective To discuss the feasibility of early water intake from the aspects of comfort and safe for patients after surgery under general anesthesia through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) thirsty score and the Kubota drinking water test, so as to provide clinical evidence for shorting the time of postoperative drinking deprivation. Methods A total of 200 patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia in the First People's Hospital of Xiangyang before entry into post anesthesia care unit (PACU) from March 2019 to November 2019 were enrolled. Their VAS thirsty scores were evaluated, and the Kubota drinking water test was performed 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 h and 2.0 h after surgery. Their swallowing functions were assessed and adverse reactions were recorded. Results Their VAS thirsty score was (6.3±1.2) after entered into PACU, and drank 120 ml of water in four water drinking test within 2 h; while their VAS thirsty score was (3.7±0.7) when discharge from PACU, with statistical difference (P<0.05). Men had stronger feeling of thirsty than women (P<0.05). Patients aged below the age of 45 showed stronger feeling of thirsty than elder people aged above the age of 45 (P<0.05). Furthermore, 99.5% of the patients passed the drinking water test 2 h after surgery. No serious vomiting was reported. Conclusion Drinking water 2 h after surgery is feasible.