Good Nutrition for Surgery Patients
Surgery can be a stressful event and the more invasive the procedure, the greater its demands on the body. Healing requires that the body create new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue and step up the production of cells that repair wounds. This complex activity won’t occur efficiently if your diet is short on essential nutrients.

Introducing the Surgery Program by VitaMedica – accompany specializing in the research and development of nutritional supplements. The Surgery Program provides internal skin and wound care by enhancing the body’s natural mechanisms for repair and healing. The result: optimal surgical outcome.

Nowadays, many patients are taking nutritional supplements in increasing amounts. While generally beneficial and safe, their use around time of surgery may not be desirable. Vitamedica’s Surgery Program has been specifically formulated to eliminate nutrients that may have an adverse effect on outcome. The result: improved surgical safety.

Surgery Program Benefits
A Comprehensive Healing System
The Surgery Program is a comprehensive pre and post-operative nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing surgery. The Surgery Program provides nutrients to speed wound healing, support the immune system, prevent infection, minimize inflammation and reduce bruising. The Surgery Program allows you to take an active role in your health and healing.  And, the Surgery Program is available from, and comes with Dr. Yarish’s support.

What is the Surgery Program?
Clinical Support for Surgery, a nutritional supplement that contains optimal levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, zinc, copper, bioflavanoids and other nutrients in a morning and evening formulation.
           
Bromalain with Quercetin, a nutritional supplement that contains natural ingredients with excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Arnica Montana 30x, a homeopathic remedy designed to reduce the discomfort, bruising and swelling associated with soft tissue injury. 

Clinical Support for Surgery
A Multi-Nutrient Formula With Vitamins A, C and K to Support Healing
Clinical Support for Surgery is a two-part nutritional supplement that is designed to provide perioperative patients with essential nutrients to support healing and improve safety. The formula does not contain Vitamin E because its use around surgery is undesirable. Vitamin E can slow wound healing and can cause problems with bleeding. 

The formulation Supplies Key Nutrients

AM / PM Formulation
The use of chronotherapy provides the right nutrients at the right time of day.  Due to divided doses, it also ensures optimal absorption of the water-soluble vitamins.

The Right Balance of Vitamins & Minerals
Eliminates the worry about whether you’re taking the right amount, or in the right combination.

Chelated Minerals for Maximal absorption
Chelation, which combines a mineral with an amino acid, helps absorption to ensure that you get what you paid for.

Bromelain with Quercetin
A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Combination
VitaMedica’s Bromelain with Quercetin is a nutritional supplement that contains natural ingredients which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that their use after surgery helps to resolve hematomas (collection of blood) significantly more rapidly. Combined, these nutrients enhance the effects of each other and demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Arnica Montana 30x
A Homeopathic Formula Designed for Relief from bruising and swelling
Arnica Montana is a homeopathic remedy designed to reduce bruising, swelling and the discomfort associated with soft tissue injury that often accompanies a surgical procedure.

The literal interpretation of homeopathy is “like treating like”. The principle behind homeopathy is that our bodies have natural defense mechanisms to aid in healing. This is often reflected as symptoms. While prescription medications tend to suppress symptoms, homeopathic medications try to elicit them. This approach is intended to stimulate the immune system and enhance the healing process.

Guidelines to Help You Heal Faster
In addition to taking the VitaMedica Surgery Program during peri-operative period, you can improve your surgical outcome by adopting the following:

1. Schedule elective surgery when you’re healthy.  If you are planning elective surgery, try to schedule it during a period of relatively good health.  This will give your immune system the best chance to ensure a speedy recovery.
2. Get enough essential nutrients.  You should supplement your diet before and after surgery with high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A.  Each plays a role in wound healing and in building the immune system, thereby reducing the chance of infection.
3. Get enough protein and calories.  Two of the most important haling elements are calories and protein.  Extra protein is needed to build new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue and step up production of cells that repair the wound.
4. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water.  It is important to drink at least 6-8 glasses of high quality water each day and especially the day prior to surgery, to help cleanse and hydrate the body.  Water is especially important prior to surgery, as fluid intake is reduced the day of surgery.  To avoid complications during surgery, be sure that you do not drink anything after midnight the night prior to your surgery, unless told otherwise by your one of our medical staff.
5. Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products for about ten days prior to surgery.  Aspirin is not recommended prior to surgery because it is an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) and can promote bleeding during surgery.
6. Do not take the following supplements for two weeks prior to surgery: Bilberry, Cayenne, Dong quai, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fich oil caps, Garlic, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Hawthorne, Kava kava, Licorice root, Ma Huang (Ephedra), Melatonin, Red clover, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Vitamin E, and Yohimbe.  While beneficial for a number of medical conditions, these supplements are not recommended during the peri-operative period because they can cause problems.
7. Do not drink alcohol 72 hours prior / after surgery.  Alcohol suppresses the immune system and should be avoided around the time of surgery.
8. Do not smoke at least 2 weeks prior / after your surgery.  Smoke inhibits wound healing because less oxygen is supplied to the body’s cells.  In addition, smoking increases the risk of complications during surgery.  Dr. Yarish may require a longer period of smoking cessation depending on your particular circumstances.
9. Participate in relaxation techniques.  Listening to relaxation tapes or soothing music, taking a yoga or meditation class are examples of relaxation techniques that help to reduce stress.
10. Build a support structure.  Rely on your family and friends to help you during the stressful time of a surgery.  Have them bring foods that are nutritious and discuss with them your feelings.