How to Take Fish Oil After Surgery

According to information from the Mayo Clinic, fish oil, containing omega-3 fats, is directly linked with a number of potential health benefits, including reduction of blood pressure, triglyceride levels and reduction in the risk of cardiac disease. Although fish oil is generally a beneficial supplement, its use may need to be restricted both before and after surgery due to potential complications from the procedure itself. Naturally, you'll want to resume taking fish oil as soon as possible, but caution is recommended.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor or attending surgeon to discuss a proper timetable for resuming your daily intake of fish oil following surgery. Understand that you may need to abstain for a relatively long period of time, as fish oil can cause blood-thinning effects, which can cause complications during some procedures (and during the recovery period thereafter). Adhere strictly to your doctor's recommendations, even if they run contrary to other advice you have heard. This guarantees the smoothest possible resumption of fish oil use following your surgery.

• 2

  Resume with a fairly minor dose of fish oil to assess tolerance and check for possible complications following surgery. Whereas five to 10 grams a day isn't a problem for someone who isn't currently undergoing surgery, you'll want to resume your fish oil dosage with a meager one or two grams at first, gradually building back up to your previous dosage over a week or so in order to minimize the risk of potential problems.

• 3

  Remain cautious after resuming consumption of fish oil, being on the lookout for any signs of symptoms that things aren't well. Look for signs of increased bleeding from any incisions from the operation along with being cognizant of your physical condition at all times. In other words, ask yourself whether you feel better or worse now that you began taking fish oil again. If the fish oil is causing complications or otherwise making your recovery procedure more difficult than it was without, you should probably abstain wholly until you're more fully healed.