"Surgery deferred."

I was ready for arthroscopic knee surgery and as I was being wheeled into theatre I forgot I had put a piece of gum in my mouth 10 mins before hand, so told the nurse. She went to get a tissue for me to spit it into but anaesthesia doctor noticed it and quickly said what is in your mouth? I replied, gum as I was told no drinks or food, so assumed I could chew. The doctor then said, I'm not doing surgery then because you're not supposed to chew gum before surgery. I was so angry. I was then taken back to room and had to ring around to get someone to get me. So cranky with Cessnock Hospital.