Welcome to Part 2. Check out Surgery Pre Op, if you missed it.
I am nine days out from my mommy makeover AKA, tummy tuck, liposuction to the flanks and bra line and a breast reduction with a lift. I AM EXCITED, but feeling underprepared. The other night I woke up at 2am thinking I need to take this seriously and purchase some things, even if just the basics. I am getting the Exparel shot (costing $595), I’m hoping that will be able manage the pain.
What I’m Buying:
- Stool Softener: I purchased a giant bottle on Amazon, you will not catch me struggling after this. That happened after my tonsils and I thought I was living in hell. The pain was worth than birth.
- Extra Strength Tylenol: off brand because duh
- Aleve
- Foam Board: My surgeon gave me two options the 104 or the 105. She mentioned the 105 can be difficult for people with short torsos.
- Silicone Scar Tape: I won’t be using it until 2 or so weeks after surgery, but figured I’d get it now while I was placing an order
- Shape RX Waist Trainer: there were tons of options, but this particular one my surgeon recommended so I went with it. I may end up with a fully body compression garment when I head back to work but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
- Shower Chair: I read standing in the shower can be difficult, so better safe than sorry.
- Prairie Wear Hugger Prima Bra: the surgeon said these are so comfortable, people tend to wear them after. For the price, I sure hope so. I was trying to get away from spending a fortune on my bras. This is one small reason I wanted a reduction to begin with!
- Jueven: I will start this tomorrow, taking 2 a day. I’ve read it is great for healing, guess we’ll see
- Zena Supergreens: It is important to get the nutrients for healing and I’ve been taking these the last two weeks daily just for an extra boost.
- Button Pajamas: I purchased the original set for birth but ordered two additional pairs.
- Lanyard for holding the drains, I’m leaving the hospital with FOUR
- DMSO Cream: The doctor mentioned this is good for pain control to avoid the narcotics.
What I’m filling my bedside cart with:
- Protein Shakes I read that it is difficult to keep food down, or the desire to eat is minimal and this is a good alternative
- Medications
- Water Bottles: I don’t want to rely on my husband to be getting me tons of water, so prefilling them
- Notepad & Pen to record draiginage output
- Extra long phone charger
What I added after getting home:
- Cough drops my throat is so itchy and scratched from the incubator tube. Coughing is extremely painful so these are helpful
- Benadryl, with the anesthesia wearing off I am ITCHY
- Bed pads, I got these from the hospital just in case any of my drains leak. They have not, as of yet.
- Tissues, I don’t know if this just me. But I have a lot of snot and boogers. Ick.
What I’m skipping:
- I am not going to be getting a recliner. I have read they are useful, but it’s just another thing. Another thing to buy, move up the stairs, rent whatever. I’m skipping it and hoping my bed will do the trick.
- Bidet, I mean we should already have one but we don’t and I’m not going to deal with it now
- Walker, I understand the idea, it is hard to get around – you just had major surgery. But I want to get moving, I don’t want to be relying on a walker
- Toilet Riser; another thing I’ll have to get rid of when I’m healed so not bothering.
What’s going in my fridge:
My doctor recommended doing low sodium the week prior and then for a few weeks after surgery to help with swelling. This week leading up to surgery I’ve eaten more vegetables in my life then ever before and a lot of plain chicken. Groceries are being delivered on Sunday to help prep for the week of surgery and I plan to make:
- Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl from The Kitchnn
- Low Sodium Egg Salad from Low So- you either love egg salad or hate it and honestly, I can’t get enough of it.
- Sesame Chicken with Green beans from Comohowto
- Low Sodium Teriyaki Meatballs thrown in the crock pot put that over rice with broccoli
- Turkey Burrito Bowl from Salads for Lunch
Goal is to try to keep the ingredients fresh, can be used on multiple meals and ultimately keeping it simple. If I have them prepped, my husband should be able to grab and go. We’ll see. I can also see him ordering DoorDash. It’s worth a shot to be prepared for this major surgery.
My surgery is over – check out my recovery progress