Foods to Avoid Before Surgery

Posted August 13, 2014 in Plastic Surgery Advice

If you are having plastic surgery in South Florida, or anywhere in the country, you may have been forewarned not to eat anything on the morning of your cosmetic procedure. In fact, it is a good idea not to eat for at least twelve hours prior to having any type of surgery, whether it is plastic surgery related, or anything involving anesthesia. This is because certain foods can interfere with the anesthesia; and even drinking beverages can make you sick. While you are unconscious, vomiting can be very dangerous, because your body is incapacitated. In rare cases, people have choked to death while under anesthesia.

But even a week or two before surgery, there may be foods and drinks to avoid. For example, it is recommended to stop taking any type of vitamins that contain vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin K, all herbal supplements and fish oils; including multivitamins. You should also avoid all food with high sugar contents, because they can suppress normal immune function.

Even if you are not known to be allergic to these, you should avoid any potentially allergenic foods, such as:

• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Milk
• Fish and shellfish
• Soy or wheat products

You can, however restart your normal diet after surgery. This is purely a precautionary recommendation.

These foods may have a negative effect on circulation and may inhibit healing or interfere with anesthesia:

• Cayenne
• Green tea
• Ginko
• Flaxseed
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Potatoes
• Eggplant

Certain neurotoxic items such as caffeine, MSG, alcohol, aspirin, and aspartame should be limited or nixed altogether. These things can decrease the recovery process or cause blood clots, which can be fatal. Although this is not a food item, you should avoid nicotine and quit smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery.

Don’t eat anything that is high in fiber for at least 24 hours prior to surgery. This includes fruits and vegetables. That is because foods high in fiber take longer for your body to digest, especially apples, raspberries, oranges and pears. Vegetables like broccoli, peas and artichokes also have a lot of fiber content.

In another article, we will talk about post-operative nutrition suggestions for optimal recovery. If you are wondering, “What can I eat before surgery?” Dr. Palladino recommends a high protein diet with zinc, arginine, probiotics, and glutamine and of course, you should drink plenty of water. Just don’t do it on the day of your surgery!