How Long Do I Wait Until I Can Start Taking Fat Burners and Supplements?

Question

I had a BA 7 days ago how long do I need to wait before taking my fat burners, fish oil and my other body supplements? Thank you

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners" and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain, Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you. We typically allow our patients to continue their supplements 10 days post op if their recovery is going well.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend staying off of any blood thinning supplements like fish oil at least 2 weeks pre-op and 2 weeks post-operatively. As for diet pills, I ask patients to discontinue taking these 1 month pre-op and 1 month post-op. Every surgeon is different so it is best to ask your surgeon what he recommends as he/she knows your health history.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Before taking anything, please speak to your surgeon. They should know if it’s safe for you to do so, since they know your medical history and the medications you may be taking right now. There expertise is the only way you can be sure when it’s safe for you to start taking your supplements.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would run all of these things by your plastic surgeon, because they may increase bleeding risk as in the case of fish oil.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This question should be addressed to your surgeon who has followed your recovery, and who can ask the specifics about the products you use. Things like fish oil can increase bleeding risk, so these may not be harmless. All the best.

How Long Do I Wait Until I Can Start Taking Fat Burners and Supplements?

Answers (8)