Alternative Health Measures

There are many things you can do to prepare for your upcoming surgical procedure. The best way to enhance your recovery is to become as healthy as possible before the surgery. The three primary areas to focus on are attitude, nutrition, and exercise. You can improve your recovery by making daily improvements in all three of these areas before surgery.

Positive Attitude
To help ensure you have a positive and relaxed attitude toward your surgery, it may be helpful to practice daily relaxation techniques in the days leading up to your surgery. There are many relaxation tapes available, some of which are specifically designed to relax you prior to surgery. Just 20 minutes of guided deep relaxation is known to boost immune activity and improve overall health.

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Nutrition
In preparation for any surgical procedure, it is wise to eat a healthy, well-balanced, protein-rich diet. A balanced diet should include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. You may also wish to take vitamin or herbal supplements in addition to your regular, healthy diet. However, be sure to let your doctor know of any medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take prior to your surgery.

Here are some of the vitamins and herbal supplements that may provide additional healing (link to Ed_Healing.doc) power. The staff and doctors of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will also offer advice and recommendations on the kind of diet you should follow before and after your surgery.

· Vitamin B Complex: 50 mg two to three times a day
· Vitamin C: 2000 mg two to three times a day with meals
· Vitamin E: 400 mg beginning on the day after surgery
· Multivitamin: Once a day
· Traumeel: Take ten drops a day of this homeopathic formula that helps promote healing for the two weeks prior to surgery
· Zinc Sulfate 220 mg a day for 2 weeks after surgery
· Bromelain
· Armca

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Exercise
Exercise is always an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but never more than before surgery. As little as 30 minutes of activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help boost your immune system, make you physically stronger, and help promote a positive mental outlook. The doctors (link to Drs_Bio Drs.doc) and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will talk with you before your surgery about your pre-surgery exercise program, as well as when you can resume exercising, after surgery.

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