MonicaK
Compiled list for pre surgery.....
Oct 12, 2007
Ladies the list you all sent was just AWESOME 
I can't help but to share with all. 
I organized it and listed it below. There isn't anything else I can remember reading on here that people have said they needed to make it through that first couple of weeks. If you have another trick of the trade please let me know.
Thanks a bunch, I think I am ready for Wednesday now.
Pre-op/post-op List
Here are some tips:
The day before Op
• Get meds day before surgery
• Some one to drive to Appts first few days
• Remove any fingernail polish
For ride home
• Something big to wear like drawstring pants/sweats or a sundress (Remember your size will go down after so you do not want to spend a lot.)
• Camera -Have PS take picture of tummy as soon as finished so you can see what it looks like before swelling.
• Extra pillows
• Plastic cloth/bucket or pail in case you get sick to protect car
To Sleep/Rest
• Recliner or a wedge pillow for knees if you end up using your bed.
• bed rest pillows (the kind that prop you up and have arms on side) (sold at walmart or target)
• Extra pillows (lots)
• Extra blankets, (anesthesia can give you the "chills" after surgery)
• pj's
• wear suits that are loose and comfy for I think this is all I will be wearing around for awhile.
• robe and slippers (or several pair of thick socks)
On Hand Items (food)
• fresh Lemons for your water (reduces bloating)
• fruits
• Bottled water
• Crackers or dry toast (for the first couple days )
• Yogurt, (because of antibiotics)
• Protein rich foods for healing (ie Tuna, yogurt, peanut butter, cottage cheese, nuts)
• Real frozen fruit pops
• Jell-o
• Granola-type bars
• High protein drinks (boost, ensure, slim fast)
• Chicken soup
• Pineapple juice (good for reducing swelling and bruising).
Additional meds and supplies that may be helpful
• cough drops/ throat drops
• stool softeners take daily
• Polysporin vs Neosporin (poly better for scaring?)
• Arnica Montana + bromelain
• gauze pads for BB/dressing changes
• baby wipes to help keep ur self clean
• heating pad (for your back!)
• thermometer
• Kleenex, (you can get all emotional from meds or the anesthesia)
• silicone sheeting for the scars
• Mylanta (with MR stitching so tight can cause acid reflux for several days)
Extra items that may be helpfuls
• Notebook (to keep track of your med times and your drain output)
• Wife beaters or tank tops to wear under your binder or garment
• STRAWS!!!
• Magazines
• books
• movies
• video games
• A laptop is awesome to have during recovery
• aromatherapy candles
Helpful Tricks to get you by
• Place anything you may need at hip level (so that you have no need to reach or bend down. This means canned and dry goods in the kitchen and toiletries in the bathroom. Bending over is just as bad as trying to stand up straight prematurely! )
• Keep the remotes right by you
• Have a bucket or pail at your bedside in case you get sick (Make sure it has a lid, you don't want to stare at it or smell it afterwards)
• pads to protect your bed and chairs as you private area will be hanging out (garment is crotch- less)
• A "go-fer" - a significant other or an older child will suffice
• Chair in bathroom, (so I didn't have to stand to do anything like brushing teeth , washing face, etc)
• A plastic patio chair to use in the shower. (You won't have the strength to stand for too long in the shower and the chair really helps.)
• Towel or blanket to cover your recliner or bed just in case your drains pop open and leak.
• A TV tray/small table to put everything u need next to you (to put a hairbrush, meds, Lotion, chap stick, nail file whatever to make you comfortable by the recliner or bed)
• Ice chest beside me for drinks, cold packs, and snacks (jello, string cheese, etc
• Nightlight set up so you don't fall during late night bathroom trips .( Medications can make you disoriented)
• Flash light on your nightstand (Just in case the lights go out)
_________________
I can't help but to share with all. I organized it and listed it below. There isn't anything else I can remember reading on here that people have said they needed to make it through that first couple of weeks. If you have another trick of the trade please let me know. Thanks a bunch, I think I am ready for Wednesday now.
Pre-op/post-op List
Here are some tips:
The day before Op
• Get meds day before surgery
• Some one to drive to Appts first few days
• Remove any fingernail polish
For ride home
• Something big to wear like drawstring pants/sweats or a sundress (Remember your size will go down after so you do not want to spend a lot.)
• Camera -Have PS take picture of tummy as soon as finished so you can see what it looks like before swelling.
• Extra pillows
• Plastic cloth/bucket or pail in case you get sick to protect car
To Sleep/Rest
• Recliner or a wedge pillow for knees if you end up using your bed.
• bed rest pillows (the kind that prop you up and have arms on side) (sold at walmart or target)
• Extra pillows (lots)
• Extra blankets, (anesthesia can give you the "chills" after surgery)
• pj's
• wear suits that are loose and comfy for I think this is all I will be wearing around for awhile.
• robe and slippers (or several pair of thick socks)
On Hand Items (food)
• fresh Lemons for your water (reduces bloating)
• fruits
• Bottled water
• Crackers or dry toast (for the first couple days )
• Yogurt, (because of antibiotics)
• Protein rich foods for healing (ie Tuna, yogurt, peanut butter, cottage cheese, nuts)
• Real frozen fruit pops
• Jell-o
• Granola-type bars
• High protein drinks (boost, ensure, slim fast)
• Chicken soup
• Pineapple juice (good for reducing swelling and bruising).
Additional meds and supplies that may be helpful
• cough drops/ throat drops
• stool softeners take daily
• Polysporin vs Neosporin (poly better for scaring?)
• Arnica Montana + bromelain
• gauze pads for BB/dressing changes
• baby wipes to help keep ur self clean
• heating pad (for your back!)
• thermometer
• Kleenex, (you can get all emotional from meds or the anesthesia)
• silicone sheeting for the scars
• Mylanta (with MR stitching so tight can cause acid reflux for several days)
Extra items that may be helpfuls
• Notebook (to keep track of your med times and your drain output)
• Wife beaters or tank tops to wear under your binder or garment
• STRAWS!!!
• Magazines
• books
• movies
• video games
• A laptop is awesome to have during recovery
• aromatherapy candles
Helpful Tricks to get you by
• Place anything you may need at hip level (so that you have no need to reach or bend down. This means canned and dry goods in the kitchen and toiletries in the bathroom. Bending over is just as bad as trying to stand up straight prematurely! )
• Keep the remotes right by you
• Have a bucket or pail at your bedside in case you get sick (Make sure it has a lid, you don't want to stare at it or smell it afterwards)
• pads to protect your bed and chairs as you private area will be hanging out (garment is crotch- less)
• A "go-fer" - a significant other or an older child will suffice
• Chair in bathroom, (so I didn't have to stand to do anything like brushing teeth , washing face, etc)
• A plastic patio chair to use in the shower. (You won't have the strength to stand for too long in the shower and the chair really helps.)
• Towel or blanket to cover your recliner or bed just in case your drains pop open and leak.
• A TV tray/small table to put everything u need next to you (to put a hairbrush, meds, Lotion, chap stick, nail file whatever to make you comfortable by the recliner or bed)
• Ice chest beside me for drinks, cold packs, and snacks (jello, string cheese, etc
• Nightlight set up so you don't fall during late night bathroom trips .( Medications can make you disoriented)
• Flash light on your nightstand (Just in case the lights go out)
_________________
