 Living Proof Protocols
Supplements to Stop Before Surgery and What to Take Instead
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A safety focused guide to help you avoid bleeding risks, anesthesia complications, and last minute supplement confusion. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions and use this as a smarter conversation starter.
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Stopping supplements is not the issue. Stopping everything blindly is.
Many surgeons recommend pausing supplements to reduce bleeding risk or anesthesia interference. The mistake most people make is pausing everything without a plan, going into surgery depleted, then wondering why recovery feels harder than expected.
This guide explains what is commonly paused, why it matters, and how to think about support instead.
This guide explains what is commonly paused, why it matters, and how to think about support instead.
Safety checklist
- Bring a complete supplement list to pre op
- Ask exactly what to stop and when
- Ask what you may continue
- Ask when you can safely restart
- Do not restart without clearance if complications occur
Common supplements surgeons often pause
Bleeding risk
- Fish oil or omega 3 supplements
- High dose vitamin E
- Garlic supplements
- Ginkgo or ginseng
- Turmeric or curcumin supplements
- Bromelain
Anesthesia or blood pressure effects
- St John’s Wort
- Kava or valerian
- Berberine
- Sleep blends or sedatives
- CBD or cannabis products
What to take instead
The goal is not stacking supplements before surgery. The goal is protecting your nutrient reserves without increasing surgical risk. Focus on food, hydration, sleep, and provider approved basics.
Want a clear pause and resume plan?
Start with the free preparation guide or move into the full Surgery Optimization Protocol if you want a structured approach from prep through recovery.
Educational information only. Always follow your medical provider’s guidance.
