Successful surgery depends on many factors other then the technical performance of the surgery. Proper before and after care are critical to optimize healing and a good result. Proper nutrition and exercise around this surgery is part of this care.
Before surgery you need to nutritionally be prepared for a good surgical outcome. Your diet needs to be the proper nutritional balance. The optimum diet would be rich in low fat protein, micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins combined with a reduced intake of caffeine and no nicotine or alcohol for two weeks before surgery.
Patient should begin all purpose vitamin 2 to 4 weeks preoperatively. They need to begin taking 1000 mg of vitamin C twice daily, preferably longer 1-2 weeks preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. In the he immuno-compromised patient who was not pregnant some advise to take 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily for one week preoperatively and one week postoperatively to enhance the immune system.
After surgery the best diet should be about 60% carbohydrate, 20% protein, and 20% fat. You should have at least one gram of high quality, low fat protein per kilogram of ideal body weight per day. High quality protein helps to ensure effective wound healing. Also, you should understand that salt and carbohydrates can cause weight fluctuations in the form of fluid retention.
The Phen–Fen diet was very popular for patients who are considered obese- that is weighing at least 20% more then their ideal body weight. These drugs have been around for 25 years and are considered safe and effective in helping to reduce up to 10% of a persons body weight if used judiciously and appropriately. Although these diet medications are very popular, they certainly are not miracle drugs and they do have side effects.
Phentermine (Fastin) increases the concentration of a substance called norepinephrine in the brain which reduces specific appetites and overall eating behavior. Fenfluramine (Pondimin) increases the level of a substance called serotonin in the brain and gives the person a sense of being full. When used in conjunction with each other there is a reduction in appetite, a sense of fullness and a cancellation of each others negative side effects.
Fastin is like caffeine in that if it is used in excess it cause central nervous system stimulation, moderate blood pressure elevation increased heart rate and sometimes mild agitation. Pondimin has a more sedative effect, causing relaxation and perhaps fatigue or depression. It is important to be aware that fastin can lead to some cardiac problems- especially irregular heart rhythms and blood pressure elevation. Pondimin has been linked to blood pressure elevation and reversible long term memory impairment and the rare complication of pulmonary hypertension.
The maximum recommended dosage of phenterimine is 30 mg a day, and the maximum suggested dosage of fenfluramine is 20 mg three times a day. Because of the adverse reactions such as hypertension or tachycardia that these medications might cause when combined with an anesthetic, it is recommended that the patient stop taking them at least 7 days before the procedure. The patient could resume taking the medications 3 to 5 days after surgery, once he or she was stable.
After surgery it is a good idea to start and maintain a regular aerobic exercise program. When to begin exercising after surgery depends on the procedures that were performed and on your recovery process. Usually two weeks after surgery is an appropriate time to gradually begin exercising. There should be a gradual increase in the degree of exercise over the next several weeks.
Tennis players should begin with ground strokes two weeks after surgery and gradually increase the level of their game over the following four weeks. Golfers should begin with chipping and putting, progressing to a full swing over the ensuing three to four weeks. Another very good method of exercise is to progressively increase walking on a treadmill at least 30 minutes a day, perhaps to 3-5 days per week, depending on their exercise tolerance and medical condition.
Remember, exercise should be used as a means of maintaining lost weight rather than as a means of losing it; caloric restriction is really the best way to lose weight.
Each individual is different and always check with your doctor for advice regarding the right nutrition, diet and exercise program for you.
