Question:
Is there an herbal tablet or something that can be taken to prevent bruising?

I've heard there is an herb that can be purchased from the health food store that could possibly prevent bruising during surgery...Is this true? Have any members here used it? What were the results? I'm having the RNY by LAP.    — yourdivaness (posted on April 11, 2002)

April 11, 2002
Hadiyah, I wasnt allowed to take any herbal supplements for several weeks prior to my surgery. Do yourself a favor and clear anything you take with your surgeon.
   — Donna L.

April 11, 2002
I wouldn't take anything like an herb to prevent bruising during surgery. They typically will give patients blood thinners to prevent clots that can cause stroke and other serious problems, one of the side effects of blood thinners is increased bruising. But that is a small price to pay for not having a blood clot develop and go to your brain, lungs or heart.
   — Dell H.

April 11, 2002
Don't take any over-the-counter or herbal medications without checking with your surgeon first. In my case, I had very minimal bruising after my lap RNY, and the bruising had disappeared after about two weeks. It just wasn't enough of an issue to be concerned about :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.