Another Food Question

Another lady posted a question about the best foods to eat after surgery.

My question is what are the best foods to eat before surgery that will help you heal faster, avoid complications, etc.? I'm already taking two multi-vitamins with iron every day and trying to drink lots of water. What else will help?

(I'm proud of myself. I haven't had any caffeine in three days! Had a nasty caffeine-withdrawal headache yesterday, but feel much better today.)

Thanks,

Lisa

Good that you are withdrawing from caffeine. I have heard doctors say that caffeine is very hard on 'female parts' - whatever that means! You will be glad you did that.

Years ago, I overheard a doctor tell a patient who was preparing for a bowel resection that he should do all he could to establish a regular bowel habit. Have a warm cup of water or something and try to establish having a BM at the same time every day. This is supposed to help get things going after surgery.

I have the book Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster. There is a short chapter on supplements to NOT take, and some that you might want to take. They advise not to take vitamin E, garlic, EPA, hawthorn berry, and selenium. They said that vitamin C, Vitamin A, and bromelain is beneficial and can be taken before surgery. I am going to ask my doctor before I start popping pills.

As for diet, I am doing high fiber with lots of vegetables and fairly high protein, more animal protein that I've been eating. I want to have a very adequate protein intake before surgery and certainly am not trying to diet to lose weight.

Hey Lisa...

I would say that you are on the right track!
Probably the best idea is to follow the Canada Food guide...oops! in your case the USA Food guide! Just eat healthy! I think that just before surgery (a week?) I would stay away from anything that causes any discomfort, for me that would be anything that produces But, saying that, I suppose we will be having that wonderful "drink" that cleans out everything! YUCK! So, if that is the case, eat healthy and throw in a few "treats" ! What the heck...we deserve it!

My mom assures me that cranberries in any form are good. They help to detox your body (my dad had many surgeries and she credits cranberries for his healthy recouperation).

I have also heard that pineapple is good. Both are a good source of antioxidants and that is a good thing.

Other than that, just eat healthy (lots of fruits and vegies) both before and after surgery. They are the best way to keep your body healthy and happy.

Hope this helps.


Shielah