Please make sure to review with your doctor all medicines and supplements that you are t… Take this supplement in the morning and evening, preferably with fatty food to enhance absorption. Studies show that even mild iron deficiency-well short of the levels commonly associated with anemia-can cause adults to have a short attention span and teens to do poorly in school. If you have had surgery, the food you eat can make a great impact on your recovery and on how quickly your wound heals. Some individuals truly struggle to consume enough food in the early part of the recovery phase, and these tips are intended for those people. A typical prescribed dose provides about 30 milligrams of iron 1 to 3 times a day. The list goes on and on—chicken breast is better than chicken nuggets, onions are better than onion rings. Fluid extract (1:1): 20 to 40 millilitres a week. When a 1:100 dilution is diluted 30 times, it is referred to as 30C potency. If you are having difficulty getting enough calories in your diet after surgery, your recovery could be adversely affected. Before surgery, higher doses may be used; consult your health care practitioner. For example, a cup of green salad would be a food low in calories per cup, while avocado would be very high in calories per cup. Use heavy cream instead of non-fat dairy creamer. For example, an orange would be a whole food. Vitamin D: Especially in orthopedic surgery, vitamin D deficiency hampers proper recovery. Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Vitamin K enhances blood clotting. Although nutrient supplements are usually beneficial, you may need to stop taking certain herbs, omega fatty acids, vitamin C and vitamin E before surgery. However, if you don't include enough fiber-rich food in … 2016. Use high-calorie snacks, such as nuts and seeds. The body, which gets most of the iron it requires from food, carefully monitors its iron status, absorbing more of the mineral when demand is high and less when stores of it are adequate. It is one of the few substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it has the potential to protect brain cells from free radical damage. Avoid sugary beverages since they can contribute to GI symptoms and diarrhea after a major surgery like a … You may swallow homoeopathic doses or dissolve them under your tongue. Other preliminary evidence suggests that fish oils have many additional benefits, including prevention of graft failure after heart bypass surgery. It can be difficult to bounce back after an operation, but a number of vitamins, minerals and nutrients can support your recovery. This way of eating is reserved for people who are unable to consume enough calories, as this is not an ideal nutritional plan for the long term. If this is the case, speak to your surgeon about ways to relieve constipation before taking over-the-counter remedies. Vitamin K. What is vitamin K? Dr. John Anne. Other forms, such as ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate, may be easier to tolerate. Topical arnica is popularly used to treat bruises and other minor traumatic injuries and there is some research evidence to support this. For example, don't select Weight Watchers frozen meals, as they are calorie-controlled, choose a full-calorie version. This is not a complete list. If you have had bypass surgery with grafts made from veins: take 4 grams of fish oils a day. Drink plenty of water; Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours – as alcohol increases your risk of bruising; Don’t use active ingredients on your skin (like Vitamin A or retinoid products) for at least 1 week after your injections The Mayans drank saw palmetto as a tonic. Breakfast is an ideal time to add whole grains and fiber to your diet. Eating the right foods can prevent complications, such as constipation and high blood glucose, and provide the necessary building blocks of protein your skin needs to heal quickly. This can be useful for preventing bleeding, but keeping vitamin K amounts consistent after knee surgery is important. Some doctors recommend taking arnica more frequently before and after surgery. Here are 6 Natural Supplements That Can Help Treat Acne! Even when no deficiency exists, surgeons sometimes order vitamin K before an operation to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding. Rice is a great way to add whole grains to your diet, but many types of rice are so processed that the nutritional value is minimal. If you don’t eat meat or don’t enjoy meat, remember that protein comes from many sources other than meat. For that reason, I recommend giving patients an IV drip of vitamin C during surgery. The plant is also thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling and heal wounds after surgery. It is important to include fiber in your diet as you are recovering from surgery. Not only are high-fiber foods healthier than their low-fiber counterparts, but fiber also plays a major role in preventing constipation, a common complication after surgery. Coenzyme Q10 is found in all living creatures and is also concentrated in many foods, including nuts and oils. Some companies have developed specific vitamin programs to add micronutrients that help in healing that can be taken before and after surgery. Vitamin K1 is present in many foods, especially leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach, and is also present in liver, cows’ milk, egg yolk and some cereals. 2018;15(3):365-371. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1353567, Kyrø C, Tjønneland A. Apply to sore areas 2 to 3 times a day, or following the manufacturer’s instructions. Did you know that taking some herbal supplements in the two weeks before or after having surgery can be dangerous? Try to eat within 24 hours of your operation, starting off with soft foods and liquids. Bonus: These 8 Vitamins are a Total Waste of Money (and Could Even Be Dangerous)! In addition to their benefits after surgery, they may be useful for preventing or treating many health conditions. When a 1:10 dilution is diluted 30 times, it is said to be a 30X or 30D potency. Scott Sundick, MD, is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Failing to eat enough after surgery can slow healing and delay the closure of your incision. The 9 Best Fiber Supplements of 2020, According to a Dietitian, 5 Tips on Preparing Cholesterol-Friendly Appetizers. The primary function of coenzyme Q10 is as a catalyst for metabolism—the complex chain of chemical reactions during which food is broken down into packets of energy that the body can use. Supplemental vitamin K (more than is found in a multivitamin) should be taken only after consulting your doctor. Coenzyme Q10 should be continued long term; it may require 8 weeks or longer to notice results. Other foods with some vitamin K are pistachios, vegetable oils, lean meats, tomatoes and dairy products. To review this information or withdraw your consent please consult the, polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3. Vitamin E and surgery do not mix because Vitamin E is associated with increased bleeding, and this can lead to collection of blood (called a hematoma) that could result in serious complications. 2018;360:k322. Bile also helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Supplementing with bile salts can help your stomach digest fats and can help prevent a fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. (This handy chart will tell you which fish have the most omega-3s.). Broccoli, spring onions and brussels sprouts are also good sources. Vitamin C: 1000 – 2,000 mg per day. Alcohol can worsen bruising, so be sure to avoid it the night before your surgery. Tablets/capsules: 12,000 milligrams of grape seed extract 2 to 3 times a day (use preparations standardized to provide 150 to 300 milligrams of PCOs daily). Try to emphasize items that are not processed, such as fresh broccoli, and avoid processed foods, such as canned broccoli soup. These tips can help you add calories to your diet without having to eat noticeably more; however, these changes are not necessarily heart-healthy and are not going to aid weight loss. Do You Know the Difference Between Simple and Complex Carbs? Some foods impair your ability to absorb ferrous salts; these include coffee, chocolate, eggs, dairy products, spinach and whole-grain breads and cereals and supplements with zinc or manganese. Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study. Not only that, caffeine causes your blood to be thin, and in conjunction with other blood thinning medication you might be taking, it … Iron is also found in myoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the muscles of the body, and it is part of many enzymes and immune system compounds. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for minor aches and pains. Recommended dosage: 10,000 to 25,000 IU a day, one week before surgery. Red meat is not recommended because of the high level of saturated fat and because it can trigger constipation. Cheese, low-fat or not, should be eaten in moderation until you can determine if eating it will cause you to become constipated. A baked potato is a whole food, while a french fry is more processed and less healthy, having been fried. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain both nutrients and fiber, which are essential to healing during your recovery from surgery. Some of the vitamins known to assist in the healing process include vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Remember that it’s best to avoid vitamin E prior to surgery because it can cause thinning of the blood, which can will make the body more susceptible to bruising. A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance. In addition to their benefits after surgery, they may be useful for preventing or treating many, Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the heart’s electrical system, preventing. And doctors should provide patients with a list of supplements to avoid, Rowe says. But not everyone stops to think abou… Therapeutic doses of fish oils are therefore used to prevent the re-blockage of arteries that commonly occurs after angioplasty, a procedure in which a small balloon is used to open blocked blood vessels. It may also protect the heart against damage during heart surgery. If the gas is so severe that you feel stomach pressure or abdominal cramping, you can decrease your intake of fresh produce or use a gas reliever, such as Beano to prevent gas or Gas-X (simethicone) to relieve gas that is present. If you have had surgery on your intestines, make sure you are permitted to eat whole grains during your recovery before adding them to your diet. Consider nuts, tofu, beans and “vegetarian” foods, such as tempeh and texturized vegetable protein (TVP) to supplement your protein needs. Dilutions are then continued until desired concentrations are achieved. For example, use regular salad dressing, replace diet soda with juice or full-calorie soda and (in general) avoid foods that say "lite," "sugar-free," "calorie-free," "diet," "low-fat," or "low-calorie" on the label. Is There a Diet for Macular Degeneration? Supplementing is not a bad idea, but fiber from food tends to work better to prevent constipation when taken with ample water. Choose vegetables with more calories, such as avocados and potatoes rather than lettuce. What you eat in the days and weeks following surgery can help determine how quickly you heal and how well you feel while recovering. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Most people don’t need to take any additional supplements before or after surgery, especially if you already eat healthy whole foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables. It can be used to relieve pain after surgery or trauma. Iron-rich foods include liver, beef and lamb. While this can be an annoying or embarrassing problem, it should pass within a day or two. Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. That means eating foods that contain more calories per bite than others. At this time, doctors also recommend discontinuing products that contain aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as wine and foods like beans, garlic, ginger, strawberries, and tomatoes for the same reasons — they can increase the chance of bleeding. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. Whole grains and public health. Topical forms: use ointment/creams/gels that consist of 20 to 25 per cent arnica tincture or 15 per cent arnica oil (higher strengths may irritate skin). It also reduces swelling after injury or surgery. Doctors have long used vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting, to help heal incisions in patients after surgery and to prevent bleeding problems in newborns. Homoeopathic preparations such as arnica are diluted at first to 1:10 or 1:100. One easy way to stick to more nutritious, less-processed foods is to focus on the outside aisles of the grocery store. Dairy products are also a source of protein, but they can cause constipation, so they should be used in moderation. The results will be worth it. Fiber. A poultice or compress can be made using the tincture diluted 3 to 10 times with water. Most people know they should tell their doctors about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs they are taking, especially when they are planning to have surgery. Try 1 gram 3 times a day instead of 3 grams in one sitting. As a result, make sure to avoid certain herbs and vitamins, including St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and vitamin E, before surgery and after surgery for a couple weeks. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3046. Bonus: These 9 Supplements May Help During Cancer Treatment! This typically passes a few days after surgery, but it is important to continue eating nutritious foods during this part of your recovery. Most grocery stores are set up with unprocessed foods on the outermost areas of the store in the produce, butcher/fish, dairy, and bread areas. It’s important to take grape seed extract supplements at the same time every day. Doctors have long used vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting, to … These differ from the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils (called omega-6), and they have different effects on the body. Ask for 20 grams of vitamin C in every 24-hour period. Iron-rich herbal tonics, which are sold in health food stores, may be even gentler. Check out the 3 Best Supplements for Men Over 50! Take the time to eat well, choosing foods you know to be healthful and nutritious, and be sure to eat enough calories to sustain your body through the healing process. 1. Grape seed extract is best used with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E (and it may help the body use vitamin E more efficiently); money-saving combination products are available. Vitamin E also has anti-clotting activity that can prolong bleeding time during surgery. Oral forms: Consult your health care practitioner or package for specific directions. Whole grains are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. Be sure to choose whole grain breads and cereals whenever possible, rather than the refined "white" versions. If you are having difficulty eating, consider supplementing your diet with protein powder, which can be added to drinks, such as smoothies.. Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the heart’s electrical system, preventing heart rhythm abnormalities. Keep a full-calorie beverage (juice, lemonade, soda) nearby, and drink from it whenever possible. Processed foods tend to have higher amounts of fat, sugar, salt, and chemical additives, but far less fiber and vitamins than their whole food counterparts.. A synthetic form of vitamin K1 called phytomenadione (also known as phytonadione) is available for use in supplements. Because the body loses iron when bleeding, it may be recommended in supplemental doses after surgery. or 500 mg two times per day to prevent bruising and relieve swelling associated with surgery. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in all cells and play a key role in a range of vital body processes, from blood pressure and blood clotting to inflammation and immunity. By doing most of your shopping in those areas, you will naturally choose healthier foods that are high in fiber—a vital nutrient to include in your diet after surgery. To prevent bruising after plastic surgery, start by talking to your doctor about any medications or supplements that you take, since some of them can increase bruising, and adjust your doses if your doctor recommends it. Vitamins to Avoid Before Surgery | Livestrong.com A topical preparation can improve wound healing after surgery. The two most potent forms of omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in abundance in cold-water fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and tuna. Eat the highest calorie items on your plate first. Bromelain: 2400 G.D.U. If consuming enough calories is an issue, you may want to eliminate low-calorie and calorie-free items from your diet until you are able to eat adequately. Supplements may be easier to tolerate if you take them in divided doses. This single nutrient sets in motion the entire blood-clotting process as soon as a wound occurs. It also appears to aid healing and reduce pain and bleeding in those with gum disease and to speed recovery after surgery (particularly oral surgery). Foods You Shouldn't Eat With Diabetes and What to Have Instead, What to Know About the Exchange Method for Managing Diabetes, Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort, Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study, Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance, Does Beano prevent gas? This mineral also helps you build strong bones, so foods and drinks rich in it can help your … In addition to being a powerhouse of antioxidants, grape seed extract exerts a powerful, positive influence on blood vessels. Don’t buy cod liver oil to get your omega-3 fatty acids. Think of eating as your job, and do it frequently. While fresh is best, frozen or canned items are also good. When a doctor recommends it, iron is typically taken in a form called ferrous salts-often ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. Scand J Caring Sci. © 2020 Reader’s Digest Magazines Ltd. - All rights reserved, Vitamin K1 is present in many foods, especially, Supplemental vitamin K (more than is found in a multivitamin) should be taken only after, Grape seed extract is best used with other antioxidants such as, The primary function of coenzyme Q10 is as a catalyst for metabolism—the complex chain of chemical reactions during which food is broken down into packets of energy that the body can use. For both nutrients and fiber content, choose brown rice or other varieties that are not processed, and avoid white rice. Oysters, mussels and clams also contain iron. Vitamins that can boost your strength and help your body cope with surgery are: Vitamin A-Beta Carotene: 25,000 I.U. Orange juice, though, would be a more processed version of that food. He currently practices in Westfield, New Jersey. Seafood, including fish, is also an excellent source of lean protein. Shortly after surgery, patients begin with a chewable/liquid version of these vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps the body use vitamin K, but too much vitamin E-more than 1000 IU a day-taken long term may impair vitamin K function and increase your risk of bleeding. Read our, Medically reviewed by Ana Maria Kausel, MD, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Medically reviewed by Johnstone M. Kim, MD, Medically reviewed by Lindsey Waldman, MD, RD, Simple Rules for Adding Fiber to Your Diet, The Foods You Should Avoid When Constipated, Healthy Alternatives to Your Full-Fat Dairy Favorites, What to Eat When You Have Cystic Fibrosis, Here Are 5 Easy and Tasty Lunches for People With Diabetes, These Foods Fall on the Do-Not-Eat List If You Have Diabetes, The Mediterranean Style Diet May Prevent and Treat Diabetes, Ways Your Diet Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels Through Diet. Nelson AD, Camilleri M. Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance. The best way to get fiber is from food. If you can’t do this, increase oral intake of vitamin C to 1,000 mg twice a day until the surgery. Suffering from a bout of breakouts? Calcium. It has an associated effect of increased bleeding after surgery and should be discontinued two to three weeks before surgery. After surgery, a typical dose is 100 to 150 milligrams a day. Skip the bacon and eggs and choose oatmeal or another whole grain cereal, whole wheat bread, and fresh fruit for your morning meal. Sometimes it is difficult to eat after surgery because of a lack of appetite. Have your vitamin D levels checked before surgery, and supplement with 2000-5000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day accordingly. For example, vitamins C and E are types of antioxidants that work to promote wound healing. By helping the blood and muscles deliver oxygen, iron supplies energy to every cell in the body. You should tell your doctor all of the medicines, herbs, vitamins or supplements that you are taking prior to any procedure. Feed your brain with the MIND diet meal plan.). You may consider taking vitamin supplements to help the healing process following eye surgery. https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/supplements-to-avoid-before-surgery.html The American Society of Anesthesiologists has listed those three list, as well as these: Ephedra (ha-huang) – Since it has been banned in the U.S. for many years, this advice appears to be aimed... Ginseng – May increase heart rate, in addition to the bleeding concern. It’s also used as a general energy enhancer and anti-aging supplement. The fat in fish contains a form of polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3. Of course, every patient and procedure is unique. 2016;7(2):121-34. doi:10.1177/2040622315627801, Samal JRK, Samal IR. Brewer’s yeast, kelp, blackstrap molasses and wheat bran are also exceptionally good sources. Watching your blood sugar levels? Consider commercial breaks on television to be a reminder to have a nibble. After Bariatric surgery, patients must take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives. It is important to prepare for any plastic surgery by reviewing the list of medications you take with Dr. Crawford. Most surgeons will instruct you to avoid preparations with Vitamin E before surgery, however, so it is important to check your dietary supplements/multivitamin carefully. Research using topical forms suggests they have anti-inflammatory properties. Fiolet T, Srour B, Sellem L, et al. In fact, these nutritional supplements can be as dangerous as taking aspirin or Advil (ibuprofen) before surgery. Within the artery walls, omega-3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation, which is a factor in plaque build-up. Keeping your body well supplied with iron provides energy, One of the most common forms of iron supplement (ferrous sulfate) is inexpensive but can cause constipation and, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), This site uses “cookies” for the purposes set out in our Privacy Policy. Choose full-calorie options if possible when eating prepared foods, such as frozen meals. 2018;32(2):824-832. doi:10.1111/scs.12513, Nelson AD, Camilleri M. Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance. Do you find yourself winded mere moments into your fitness routine? Fish Oil. Does Beano prevent gas? Concurrent vitamin B6 supplements may also help. Vegetarians can get plenty of iron from beans and peas, leafy greens, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), seeds (pumpkin, squash, sunflower) and fortified breakfast cereals. Grape seed extract may decrease iron absorption in the intestines, so leave a gap of 2 hours between taking the supplements. Doctors may recommend preventive doses of vitamin K if post-surgery bleeding or haemorrhaging is a concern. If you can eat dairy products without becoming constipated, focus on low-fat items, such as skim milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Best Practice – What to do AFTER your Dermal Filler Injection Treatment. Vitamin C is essential to wound healing. A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance. Maintain a healthy diet after bladder cancer surgery. (Worried about Alzheimer’s? One of the most common forms of iron supplement (ferrous sulfate) is inexpensive but can cause constipation and stomach upset. Constipation is more than just annoying after surgery, it can actually increase pain and the chances of returning to the hospital during the recovery period. There is also evidence that dairy products can increase secretions in the lungs, so if you have a chronic cough, it may be worthwhile to avoid dairy products in the short term. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. After 24 hours, only about 28 per cent of grape seed extract’s active components remain in the body. Vitamin A is another important nutritional supplement that nourishes new tissue, helping cell regeneration and growth. Vitamin K stimulates blood-clotting factors that are produced in the liver and may help to prevent complications from bleeding. Caffeine should be avoided after surgery because the entire goal after leaving the hospital is healing. (Check out the 22 secrets pain doctors want you to know.). When you are able to return to a healthier diet, eliminating saturated fats and sugar while emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, it is important to do so. One of the best things you can do to improve your nutritional status when you are recovering from surgery is to focus on whole foods. As an anti-inflammatory: take 30 to 40 milligrams of EPA and DHA per kilogram of your body weight a day. That means to choose foods that are “whole” or unprocessed. So, aim to obtain most of your nutrition from these whole foods, which is actually a healthy way to eat every day, not just the weeks following surgery. Needed throughout the body, iron is an essential part of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. 1994;39(5):441-5. 2016;353:i3046. Vitamin supplements are available in various preparations. Eventually, about 1 month later, they progress to supplement tablets if tolerated or preferred. Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and with certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation beginning at about 40 years of age. Add a dietary supplement, such as Ensure or protein bars, to your diet. Your body needs protein and other nutrients to build healthy new tissue and heal tissue injured by surgery. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine. (Here are 40 secrets surgeons won’t tell you.). Coenzyme Q10 may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks and other diseases linked to free radical damage. (Here are 10 ways to deal with a cut or scrape.). Here are six of the best supplements to take after surgery. Pay particular attention to your discharge instructions regarding what is appropriate to eat during your recovery. The body uses a lot of vitamin C to make connective tissue. Yohimbe can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, and increase the potency of anesthetics. J Diet Suppl. Constipation is common after surgery because prescription pain medications—opioids, in particular—are often used in the days following a surgical procedure and have a known side effect of decreasing the movement of the intestines.. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322, Trads M, Deutch SR, Pedersen PU. Dairy products are an excellent source of protein, which is essential to healing after surgery. When prescribed, vitamin K should be taken with meals because food enhances its absorption. Constipation can increase your pain level and can place additional stress on your incision, so it is important to avoid whenever possible. Drink plenty of … The drip should provide 20 grams of vitamin C in every 24-hour period, from the time a patient goes into surgery until the IV is removed. Many medicines, herbs, vitamins and dietary supplements may increase bleeding during and after a procedure (test or surgery). This vitamin also aids in building strong bones and may be useful for combating the threat of osteoporosis in older women. Keeping your body well supplied with iron provides energy, helps your immune system function at its best and gives your mind an edge. Stay hydrated. Alternatively use a tincture (1:10 with 70 percent alcohol). Yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe) – As a natural “Viagra®”, yohimbe is touted as a sexual stimulant and as a potential treatment for male impotence. Coenzyme Q10, produced by the body, belongs to a family of compounds called quinones. Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective general anti-inflammatories. It contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, both of which can be toxic in large doses. BMJ. BMJ. To prepare for your surgery or procedure, your doctor has asked you to avoid certain medicines, including aspirin and aspirin-like products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and other medicines or supplements. Additionally, vitamin A ca… The rest comes from bacteria that live naturally in the gut and make menaquinones (also called vitamin K2). After gallbladder removal surgery, your body may have a more difficult time digesting fats due to the absence of bile stored in your gallbladder 2. Acting in conjunction with enzymes (hence the name “coenzyme”), the compound, Omega-3 fatty acids are found in all cells and play a key role in a range of vital body processes, from blood pressure and blood clotting to inflammation and immunity.