Are you scheduled for surgery? Whether it's a full mommy makeover or a tummy tuck, be sure you have all the essentials to prepare for surgery and recover! Below you will find the top 10 items I now feel I couldn't have lived without!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, the products recommended below are either actual products I purchased and used during my recovery or very similar. I will always recommend products and services that I myself have used! 1. Adjustable Bed Frame Many people talk about recliners or lift chairs. While these are great and something worth considering, an adjustable bed-frame is a great investment. Not only will it provide you with the best night's sleep, which is important to recovery, but it will also continue to be worth having post-surgery. With cold and flu season happening every year, having the ability to be propped up is beneficial in healing. Not to mention, nice for watching tv if you have one in your bedroom. I have slept soundly since the first night home with this.
Click the images below to find these recommendations!
2. Zip-up Night Gown When the nurses were ready to get me out of bed after surgery they asked what I would be putting on to recover in. My husband handed them this zip-up robe and their exact comment was, "This is awesome, every patient needs this!" I couldn't agree more. My night nurse commented it was perfect as well. It is soft, zips, and has pockets. It is what I lived in for days. This is the exact one I have:
3. Non-Slip Socks I was shocked to learn they want you up and walking right away after surgery. Knowing this, I made sure to pack some of these cozy, non-slip socks to the hospital. I have hardwood floors at home, so these were perfect for my recovery walks that first week.
4. Wedge Pillows Because I invested in an adjustable bed frame, I didn't need this pillow in bed. However I didn't return it because it was useful for lounging on my couch and elevating my feet (remember the risk of blood clots for the first few weeks). If you don't invest in an adjustable bed frame or a recliner, these sets are great for the bed as well:
5. High-waist Underwear Hear me out, these underwear are a must. My surgeon was adamant about not using any compression. So much so, that it was in all-bold capital letters on my take-home sheet. I had a drainless tummy tuck, so I'm not sure if that's why or not. Of course, follow the advice of your surgeon. But, mine approved of these and they didn't rub my incision and were super comfortable during recovery!
6. Recovery Clothes
If you are like me, I can't sit still. So as soon as I was cleared at my 1 week post-op appointment, I was ready to try and go out in the world. The problem was that I was still swelling and nothing fit. I highly recommend some loose sweats and dresses (depending on the season) to wear during those first few outings. Here are some I purchased:
6. Protein Shakes
I worked out every day for 3 months and ate super healthy to prepare for my surgery. I know it helped me recover quickly given that my surgery became more intense once they got in there, and still, I recovered very well. Increasing protein prior to surgery to 125+ grams a day and continuing that post-surgery was part of my regimen. These shakes are perfect as they are plant-based so less risk of causing constipation. They are much easier on the digestive tract. As you are healing, it's important to keep your digestive system happy. These are great to have on hand and super convenient!
7. Stool Softeners
There's not much to say here. Pain meds cause constipation. Don't let it start. Get these on hand to take right away. Get approval from your surgeon on the amount but do not forget this!
8. Arnica Montana
As always, get this or any supplement you plan to take, approved by your surgeon. But I was told my swelling was actually very minimal for all that was done. I took this along with pineapple juice for 2 weeks leading up to surgery. I continued taking it post-surgery and also massaged the cream on my core - avoiding the incision area.
9. Compression Tights
The surgery center provided me with a pair, but I wanted extra on hand. With a major surgery like this, it's important to keep these on for at least the first week and watch for signs of blood clots. Keep an eye out for swelling in one leg more than another, pain, or shortness of breath.
10. Toilet Riser
Not enough people talk about this. Having a toilet riser like the one below was super helpful for the first 2 weeks. You don't realize how much you use your core every day and simply sitting down is a big one. This will be a game-changer in your recovery.
I hope this list was helpful. There are other things you will want to consider having on hand, but these were my top 10 for sure. Some surgeons recommend compression over your abdominal area. Mine did not. Compression garments would be another essential item if recommended by your surgeon. Always listen to the group who is doing your surgery, as they know best.
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