How can I prepare nutritionally?

I'm up to 100+ gr of protein per day -- what else should I do to prepare my body for next Friday?

I just saw my PS today... surgery set for 12-16. His recommendation was to keep the protein above 120 grams per day, and to have plenty of foods that are easy to digest for after surgery when the anesthetic is working its way out of my system.

He also had a list of medications to NOT take, and it included vitamins A, C, and E because of the potential for increasing bleeding.

Other than that - he said to follow what my nut has told me!

My PS also gave me a huge list of vitamins, OTC, medications and supplements to avoid for 2 weeks prior to surgery - it included NO Garlic and No Ginger which was a pain since I love those two spices.

Most people forget, in their rush to get all that protein in, that the body needs other phyconutrients in addition to protein for healing - eat your veggies too. Taking multivits doesn't replace everything that you get eating veggies.

Ditto to all above. I upped my protein to 150 g a day prior to and then for 4 months after surgery, and had a very quick healing time. It's hard to get that much in after surgery because you really don't feel like eating, and with a lbl, your tummy has more restriction to it with the tightening of the skin, but push yourself. All the best to you!

Thank you so much for always being so great with your responses -- I have limited internet so I don't always get to post or respond the way I want so don't thnk I'm not a nice person -

Btw, I've noticed you work out a lot like I do --- do you attribute that to a great recovery? I've heard that yes, it makes a HUGE difference and on the flipside that it doesn't make that big of a difference.

Your thoughts?

Hi there-

You are so kind! And yes, I do think that working out, particularly cardio, can only help in making recovery go smoother and quicker. It can't prevent some things or guarantee there won't be complications, but to me, it's the best thing I can do for myself before surgery. My surgeon calls me the cardio queen because I had such an easy recovery, especially for someone my age. Doing all the squats and lunges beforehand also helped me post op to get up and down without problems.

I almost drove myself crazy until I could get back to a full workout, and was just able to start direct abs again a few days ago, but looking back, it's all been worth it!

My doc swears that fresh pineapple for a few days prior to surgery cuts down on bruising.

I had a brachioplasty and maxopexy and had virtually no bruising.

With my band, I can eat pineapple -- just have to go slowly -- not sure if your surgery allows you to eat it, but thought I would share.

Other than that, he asked me to increase my Vit C for 2 weeks pre-op and gave me a whole list of meds/OTC drugs to avoid.

Good luck!!

For me pain medication and protein cause major constipation.  I would strongly suggest starting to take a stool softener the day of your surgery.  Also have someone pick you up in a car that is easy to get in and out of (one you don't have to go to far down or to far up to get into.  Good luck