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The Days & Night Before Surgery

The Days Before Surgery

Diet

Do not eat foods with a high salt content for at least 48 hours before the surgery and five days after surgery. Foods with a high salt content include:

  • Canned soups
  • Bullion
  • Cocoa mixes
  • Salted nuts
  • Relish
  • Mustard
  • Potato chips
  • Pretzels
  • Bacon
  • Smoked fish
  • Lunchmeats, frankfurters
  • Ham

Vitamin C Reduces Inflammation

Take 4 grams of Vitamin C daily, starting 5 days before surgery and continue for the initial 10 days after surgery. Your dosage depends on the tolerance of your stomach. Start with 2 grams in the morning and increase to 4, 8 or 12 grams daily. Take the most you can tolerate.

Drugs

Take no alcohol or marijuana for 48 hours before the surgery. These drugs are dangerous because they affect the action of the anesthetic in unpredictable ways. We recommend that you refrain from cigarette smoking at least the week before and the week after surgery. Cigarette smoke and marijuana smoke affect blood flow and healing.

Colds and Flu

If you develop an illness such as a cold, fever or flu, please call the office for instructions.

Confirm the Schedule

Please call our office the day before your surgery to confirm your schedule – arrival time and surgery. If surgery is scheduled at or after 1:00 p.m., confirm whether food will be allowed in the morning.

Be sure the office knows of your arrangements for transportation. If you are staying with friends or at a motel, be sure the office has all the information and phone numbers.

The Night Before Surgery

Food and Drink

Do not eat or drink after 12:00 p.m. (midnight).

Shower and Shave

Please shower and wash your hair and body with antibacterial scrub. If you are having liposuction of the abdomen, shave the lateral side of the pubic area.