Pre-Op Instructions

Preparing well before your surgery helps ensure a smoother recovery and the best possible outcome. Please review the following guidelines carefully, and contact our office at 805-563-4404 if you have any questions prior to your procedure.

A Few Weeks Before Your Surgery

• Continue taking prescribed medications unless otherwise directed by your physician.
• Stop medications that reduce blood clotting (such as Advil, Motrin, or aspirin) a few days before surgery.
• If you are taking Prolia, Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, or Pradaxa, please call your prescribing physician for guidance on temporarily stopping these medications.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before your procedure.
• Focus on healthy meals and limit salty or sugary foods.
• Discontinue herbal supplements that may interfere with surgery at least 7 days prior. These include garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort, fish oil, ephedra, and kava.

Days Before Your Surgery

Grocery List

• Stock up on soft foods, soups, and smoothie ingredients. Prepare meals ahead of time so they’re ready when you return home.

Pharmacy List

• Pick up prescribed medications and recovery supplies such as Tylenol Extra Strength, Vitamin C, ice packs or frozen peas, probiotics (Bio-K), and yogurt or kefir.

Entertainment List

• Prepare something enjoyable for your recovery: download music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and line up TV shows, books, or movies to help you relax after surgery.

Transportation

• If you are receiving sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from our office and to stay with you afterward.

Day of Your Surgery

• Eat a moderate meal before your scheduled procedure, but avoid caffeine.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed by your physician and Dr. Naval.
• Bring earphones and your phone or music device. Wi-Fi is available so you can listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
• Wear loose, layered clothing. The procedure room may feel cool, but you will have a heated chair, drape, and pillows for comfort. Avoid wearing makeup around the mouth.
• Bring your dental retainer so we can ensure a proper fit following your procedure.

Foods to Reduce Swelling & Bruising

(Please wait 2 days after surgery before starting this diet.)

• Chicken noodle soup
• Kale, mint, ginger, pineapple, and coconut water smoothie
• Protein smoothies
• Oatmeal with nut butter and fruit compote
• Ginger and turmeric carrot soup
• Hummus with olive oil and garlic
• Lemon, ginger, and turmeric black iced tea (start one day after surgery)
• Salmon with mashed cauliflower
• Baked sweet potato with coconut oil and maple syrup

Tip: For convenient, healing meal options, visit organicsoupkitchen.org for pick-up or delivery.