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Veteran TTers--vitamins or no vitamins?

By St. Louis8937 on 19 May 2011

I am curious about the vitamins (like Arnica and Bromelain, and the pre and post op vitamins). If you took them--did you swell/bruise more than you thought you would? Less? Did you heal "faster"? If you didn't take them--do you wish you would have? Did you bruise/swell terribly? Thanks in advance!

Comments (22)

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Barbie892 23 May 2011
My PS recommended and I did take Arnica Montana and Bromelain for more than 6 weeks prior to my TT and lipo. Then I took a post-surgical vitamin blend for two months or so.

I did have some brusing with the lipo (which is normal) but I healed VERY fast. Had almost no swelling at all but I'm certain it's because I had the "no-drain" procedure. In any case, I just did everything I could for the best results possible.

Best Wishes!
45isnew25 23 May 2011
I have only used arnica topical gel on my lipo bruising which felt good on the bruising but it went away fast. I began bromelain after my TT, when I could remember to take it, but really don't think it made a difference. My swelling has been extremely minimal but since I haven't taken the bromelain regularly I really think my minimal swelling has to do with the amount of water I drink and have always drank before surgery. I haven't taken any vitamins, etc. since surgery except for a multi vitamin when I can remember to take it.
Mom2Four 23 May 2011
I took Arnica 30c beginning day of surgery and had little to no bruising and not much swelling. At 3 weeks my husband bought more Arnica only it was the 30x and I began to have more swelling. Just went back on the 30c at 7 weeks and I swear I have less swelling by the end of the day than on the 30x.
St. Louis8937 24 May 2011
Kinda confused--sorry!
What's 30c and 30x mean?
Mom2Four 24 May 2011
The x and c have to do with the strength. You'll notice them both when you go to purchase them. You want the stronger one which is 30c.
LoriWV 24 May 2011
Where do you get it?
Mom2Four 24 May 2011
Any healthfood store...GNC, Hi-Health, Super Suppliments or Whole Foods. The brand I have is Boiron. You can also get online at Amazon.
LoriWV 24 May 2011
I am really torn on this subject as well.... My PS recommends a multivitamin and vit C. Do I really need all of the other stuff???
St. Louis8937 24 May 2011
LoriWV-
I'm confused too! I am hoping the "veterans" can steer us in the right direction!
Mom2Four 24 May 2011
On a regular basis, I take a multivitamin, vit C, vit E, vit D3 and flaxseed oil. I continued to take that after tummy tuck and added the Arnica. I definitely notice less swelling when I'm taking the 30c Arnica. Vitamin C aids in tissue repair. Hope that helps some :0)
sommiebreezie 31 May 2011
all these posts are super helpful. What multi vit did you take. I want to make sure I take something that will be effective. Did you take the flaxseed oil more for the BM help? My nurse told me to just drink lots of water and drink prune juice..or eeat prunes..both will help. Im freakin out here and Im wondering if the Arnica is worth it to take. I wont have any drains so I think that will help with my swelling, I would like to have a smooth recovery :)
Mom2Four 31 May 2011
I just take a multi for women. The flaxseed oil has many benefits including lessen risk of blood clots. Here's a good link on it: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/flaxseed-oil-benefits-for-women.html
Having been on and off of the Arnica, I do see a difference while on it. Do get the stronger 30c instead of 30x formula. Here's to your smooth recovery :0)
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 31 May 2011

I take vitamin C and a super B complex on a regular basis.  Other than that nothing.  I am a believer that if you eat a healthy clean diet, stay away from processed food and drink plenty of water that should be enough.

I do not like putting all of these strange and odd supplements in my body.  Even if they are labeled organic or whatever..

sommiebreezie 1 Jun 2011
thats how I feel at this point...like if I just stay with what I know and what I havde learned about CLEAN eating then I should be fine. I figure a good multi should be ewnough for me. I dont want to start mixing all this stuff together...for fear that i could have some adverse reaction.
Mom2Four 1 Jun 2011
Eating clean is very important but people have different reasons for taking certain supplements. For instance, people living in Seattle where the sun is rarely out need additional vitamin D. I take the flaxseed oil because it helps with dry eyes as a result of having Lasik. Since having the TT, I've only added Arnica and I must say, it does make a difference. I also eat a lot of fresh pineapple which contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory and swelling reducer.
sommiebreezie 2 Jun 2011
Yeah...I can see that Im jus apprehensive at taking so much, I get paranoid. I think my biggest concern is the BM..hahahah Im gonna make sure to take metamucil and Senna...hopefully that will help! oh yeah and TONS of water
Jessica219 13 Oct 2011
Is it good to take vitamin E after surgery for the scar? i know the doctor told me prior to surgery to stop taking vit E completely?
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 13 Oct 2011

You will have better luck rubbing the vitamin e oil on the scar.  It's very healing:)

Jessica219 14 Oct 2011
when can i start doing that?
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 15 Oct 2011

Talk to your doctor but generally once the incision is totally closed you can begin.  In my case I had surgical glue on the outside of my incision so I was able to start one week post op.  

Always a good idea to check with your doctor.  They are each different in their treatment plans.  

ttvirgin 22 May 2012
I have mu surgery scheduled for June 6th and I have a question regarding the Bromelain? My understanding is that I should not start taking it until AFTER the surgery because it is a natural blood thinner and could increase the risk of bleeding. Also, in regards to the Arnica, I have the 30 C but I'm not sure how often to take it? I will take my first dose 3 days prior to surgery but after surgery do I take it evry second day, every week? Otherwise I take a multi vitamin b complex vitamin, vitamin d3, vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E everyday!! Any help would be graciously appreciated!
LoriWV 22 May 2012
You are going to get different answers on this subject!!! It is amazing how much doctors differ on this. I took the bromelaide , arnica, vitamin C and a multivitamin 2 weeks prior to surgery with the p,an to take it thru 2 weeks after. I had a reaction and stopped the bromelaide and arnica thinking it might have caused my reaction (bad rash) . I later figured out that I had sun poisoning and NOT a reaction. But, I thin I took them long enough to get in my system because I had very little swelling and almost no bruising from my surgery ( TT, BA with a lift). Use your best judgement , you'll do great!! Good luck!!!! It's a long hard journey but so worth it!!!! I would do it a hundred times over!!!!!!
Lori

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