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Before surgery (4 to 6 weeks)
- Eat a high protein diet
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
- Drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses per day)
- Avoid coffee and sodas that are high in caffeine, a natural diuretic
- Exercise daily, but not to soreness
- Stop vitamin intake 3 weeks before surgery except for C, K, Selenium and Zinc. Increasing Vitamin C will help diminish bruising
- If you take any herbal supplements, give a complete list to your doctor
- Eliminate all over-the-counter drugs except for acetaminophen (Tylenol) at least 3 weeks before surgery
- If you smoke, plan to stop. Tobacco use, among other dangers, has a very negative effect on healing.
After surgery
- Lots of water (64 ounces per day minimum)
- Avoid liquid intake before bedtime. Makes eyes puffy in the morning
- More fruits and vegetables - less pasta, grains and cereals
- Eat smaller meals more frequently (5 times a day)
- Choose small amounts of low fat protein at each meal
- Exercise moderately to encourage blood flow and flexibility
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