Preparing Your Body for Endometriosis Surgery

If you're preparing for endometriosis excision surgery there is a lot to think about, but one piece that can get overlooked is preparing your body for the surgery itself.

Surgery is a stressor on the body and your nutrient needs increase as your body works to repair and recover.

From a nutrition perspective, there is a lot we can do to build nutrient stores and support your body’s ability to recover. If you’re able to plan ahead, starting targeted nutritional support 2-3 months before surgery can be incredibly beneficial.

Let’s talk through some of the top nutrients to prioritize leading up to surgery.  

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen production and tissue repair while also providing antioxidant support.

Some easy ways to get more vitamin C through food:

• Kiwi

• Bell peppers

• Citrus

• Strawberries

• Broccoli

2. Iron

If you have endometriosis and experience heavy menstrual bleeding, iron status is especially important to pay attention to before surgery.

Iron supports red blood cell production, which becomes even more relevant when blood loss is part of the picture.

Focus on iron-rich foods like:

• Red meat

• Lentils

• Spinach

• Beans

3. Protein

Protein supports muscle mass and needs increase when your body is working on tissue repair post surgery.

A good goal is around 2 g/kg of body weight per for many people preparing for surgery. Prioritize foods like:

• Eggs

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Beef

• Pork

• Fish

• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese

• Legumes

• Protein powders 

4. Omega 3s + Antioxidants

These nutrients provide anti-inflammatory compounds and support immune function, a healthy gut microbiome, and the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals. Good food sources include:

• Fatty fish: salmon, sardines, mackerel

• Ginger

• Turmeric

• Colorful fruits and vegetables

• Fresh herbs and spices

5. Eliminate Alcohol

If you're preparing for surgery, consider eliminating alcohol in the weeks beforehand.

Alcohol can interfere with sleep, hydration, nutrient status, and recovery, so giving your body a break can be a simple way to support your overall resilience going into surgery.

6. Get Your Gut Moving

If you are already having slow motility, prioritize support ahead of surgery. Anesthesia, pain medications, changes in movement, and changes in your normal routine can all make bowel movements more difficult during recovery.

Going into surgery with regular bowel movements, adequate hydration, and a good baseline of fiber intake can make the transition into recovery much easier. Some ways to support motility prior to surgery include:

• Adequate fiber intake

• Hydration + daily minerals (Trace Mineral Drops, LMNT etc.)

• Walking daily 

• Abdominal massages 

• Magnesium supplementation (citrate or oxide)

If you are having surgery for endometriosis excision or another surgery don’t overlook the basics! 

The goal is to go into surgery well nourished and supported, so your body has the resources it needs to heal.

If you're preparing for endometriosis surgery and want personalized support with nutrition, labs, and building a plan for before and after surgery, this is exactly the type of work we do in our 1:1 Functional C.A.R.E Method™.