Pre-op tips? (diet, supplements, exercise, etc.)

I have my pre-op class with Dr. de la Torre on Jan. 9th & will probably have my surgery in early Feb. I was just wanting to get all your advice on things I should start doing/changing now to make things easier after surgery. Do any of you have suggestions for getting my mind, body & spirit ready for this life changing event?   Should I start/stop eating/drinking certain things, certain ways, at certain times? Should I start taking certain supplements now to get my body ready for surgery? I know I should start walking/exercising but haven't really started that yet. Any advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! Melissa

Melissa,

I'm not post-op I too am pre-op but I will tell you what I was told about preparing for surgery.

If you drink pop get off of it because you can't have caffeine after surgery.

I was told that if you load up on protein then you heal better and faster so drink your protein shakes.

I was also told to take Biotin to help reduce hair loss.

Start taking your vitamins now such as a multi with iron, B-1, and Biotin.

Exercising is good will build up your muscle tone and also help with healing. 

Hope this helps and maybe some of the folks that have already gone through this can give you more ideas?  Good luck to you and keep posting.

Bev~

Hi Melissa, Good luck on your journey.  I had my surgery April 4, 2007.  The one thing that I would recommend would be to stop drinking carbonated beverages and also give up all caffeine.  Giving up caffeine is a shock to your system and if you can get over that before your surgery it is one less thing that your body has to deal with. Let us all know how you do.

Hi Melissa! I had my surgery on 10/15. Here are the things I really would have started earlier had I known what I know now...  Start learning to eat small, small bites. Use a baby spoon for practice.  Chew, chew, chew. We really don't think about hou few chews we apply before swallowing our food before surgery. The one time I've thrown up since surgery was due to not chewing a piece of soft cheese enough before swallowing. This has been a really tough adjustment.  Quit Caffeine (I had to quit in the hospital. Thank goodness for morphine!)   Stop eating meals with liquids. Not drinking during meals is tougher than I thought it would be.   Find a protein supplement you can stomach ahead of time.  Good luck with everything. February will be here before you know it and you are taking a great approach by physically trying to prepare ahead of time.  Rene