Preparing for Surgery: Diet and Nutrition
Although you are not limited to the items below, this is a list of foods that are easy for your body to digest, which means your body can spend more of its’ energy on recovering. Most important to note is that salt (sodium) should be avoided. High salt intake will cause you to swell quite a bit and may prolong your recovery.
Food and Drink Supply:
- Prunes
- Yogurt, baby food, apple sauce (good to take with your prescriptions, to coat your stomach)
- Frozen dessert bars
- Fresh fruit: pineapple, papaya (assists with reducing swelling)
- Soups (low sodium to avoid swelling)
- Bottled spring water, juices
- Bread for toast
The foods listed below are to be eaten in moderation only:
Foods containing Salycylates:
Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Berries (Black, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Strawberry), Cherries, Cucumbers, Pickles, Currants, Grapes, Prunes, Tomatoes, Chinese Black Beans, Wine, and Alcohol (do not drink any alcoholic beverages beginning 1 week prior to your surgery date).
Medications:
- Aspirin and Ibuprofen containing medications
(Do not take even one tablet of any of these within 2 weeks before operation. They thin the blood and can cause complications.) - Herbs: Ginko Biloba, Ginger, Saint John’s Wort, Feverfew
- Vitamins: E, Fish Oil, Garlic Tablets, Cholesterol Medications, Niacin. These should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.
- Important: All medications to be used for pain relief due to menstrual cycle & arthritis are to be avoided even if they are not on the above list. (Please notify us about all vitamins you are taking.)
- You will be given a comprehensive list of all medications to avoid beginning two weeks prior to your surgery date during your preoperative appointment.
- Please be sure to notify the office of all medication you are taking. This includes all prescription and nonprescription medications.
