QUESTION: ARE THERE SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS I CAN RECOMMEND TO A CLIENT FOR AN UPCOMING SURGERY?

I’m working with a morbidly obese individual who is preparing for lap-band surgery. I hope to make enough difference that he feels he can re-balance and come back to a more healthy weight without surgery, but he is simply looking to nourish his body enough that he can weather the procedure. He wants me to lay out the options for preparing his body for surgery. Since that is not really our focus, I’m not sure how to direct him. Recommendations?

ANSWERED BY VICTORIA LAFONT ON APRIL 18, 2016

First, I’d say give him the specific support he needs as an individual. Then, focus on the foundations! First and foremost: proper hydration is the key to ensure his body is able to flush toxins and keep cellular osmotic pressure gradients intact. Some other ideas would be the easy-to-digest proteins and fatty acids like those found in bone broth. Fermented vegetables will provide probiotics in addition to supplemental probiotics before and after surgery, especially because antibiotics are likely. Cod liver oil will support the production of inflammation-managing prostaglandins and also the immune system, though most surgeons will ask their patients not to use any fish oils for 3-5 days prior to surgery so the blood is not too thin (he should confer with his surgeon on this). Proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach post-surgery 3-4x/day away from food will help eat up the inflammation created during surgery. The homeopathic remedy Arnica montana can also be used post-surgery as an added anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids will reduce free-radical damage caused by the anesthetic. If able, he should also enjoy the use of a sauna after he is fully recovered. I also think it’s important to give our clients our personal opinion IF they ask. While you are going to learn wonderful ways to support weight loss without surgery, support your client at his current stage. If he asks for your opinion on whether you recommend surgical intervention, then by all means, give him the wonderful info you have. But, if he is simply asking for support pre- and post-surgery and has his mind made up, support him there. Victoria