ELEVATING BLOOD-IRON LEVELS BEFORE YOUR BBL/LIPO PROCEDURE

Optimizing Your Blood-Iron Levels Before BBL/Lipo Surgery

If you're preparing for a BBL procedure, it's crucial to ensure your blood-iron levels are in check before surgery. Low iron levels can lead to a more challenging recovery and increase the likelihood of needing blood transfusions, which, in turn, raises the risk of complications.

To avoid these issues and ensure a smoother surgical experience, it's essential to manage your iron levels before seeing your doctor. Here's how you can do it through dietary adjustments and some key considerations:

Iron-Rich Foods:

1. Animal Sources: Red meat, pork, chicken, fish (like salmon and tuna), and shellfish (such as oysters and mussels) are high in iron.
2. Organ Meats: If you enjoy them, liver and other organ meats are excellent iron sources.

Non-Animal Sources:

1. Dark Green Vegetables: Include spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts in your diet.
2. Dried Fruits: Apricots and raisins provide iron.
3. Fortified Cereals: Opt for cereals like rice, wheat, and oats.
4. Pulses: Lentils and soybeans are plant-based sources of iron.

Enhancing Iron Absorption:

• Vitamin C: Consume foods rich in Vitamin C alongside iron-rich meals to boost iron absorption.
• Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene: These also aid iron absorption.

Be Cautious of Iron Absorption Inhibitors:

1. Phytic Acids: Found in whole grains, cereals, soy, nuts, and legumes, these hinder iron absorption. Although these foods contain iron, the phytic acids can limit its absorption.
2. Calcium-Rich Foods: While essential for bone strength, calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can briefly hinder iron absorption. To optimize both calcium and iron intake, consume these foods separately—calcium-rich foods in the morning and iron-rich foods in the afternoon or evening, along with your vitamin supplements.
3. Polyphenol-Containing Foods: Coffee and tea, which contain polyphenols, can inhibit iron absorption. Consider limiting your intake.

In summary, a strategic approach to your diet can help you maximize iron intake and absorption. Separate your food types to ensure you get both essential calcium and iron without interference. Consume dairy and caffeine-rich foods earlier in the day and opt for iron-rich meals later, accompanied by vitamin supplements.

Additionally, non-food iron supplements are readily available at most supermarkets, drugstores, health shops, and chemists. By following these dietary guidelines and, if necessary, incorporating iron supplements, you can optimize your iron levels in preparation for your procedure. Good luck, and enjoy your journey to improved health!