Things to do before my op, lists and stuff....

Apologies if this already exists somewhere else on the forum, but I have made a list for stuff to do and things to pack before my op, collected from post op girls, and the fact sheets I got from my clinic. Hope it's useful, please add if there are other tips that people have collected along the way that I have forgotten and need to get/do before my op!

To get:

Cocoa butter with shea butter lotion - applying to skin in the hope it will prevent stretch marks (don't use 24 hrs before op tho)
Dry shampoo
Hibiscrub body wash (Boots online) for before op and after to prevent infection when you're having shallow baths etc
Laxatives (for pain killer side effects!)
Dermatix scar sheets (ebay)
V pillow (£10 Argos)
Hot and cold compresses (Boots online)
Zotrim - natural slimming aid that makes you feel full for longer (so I hopefully don't put on weight while I'm unable to go to gym)
Macom bra and couple of spare sports bras
PJ's and tops to wear that front fasten

To take to hospital:
Clothes that front fasten and are comfy
Macom bra (unless your surgeon plans to strap you up, some do and some don't)
V pillow and duvet (for car journey home to pad me out)
Camera for recording my before and after pics
Phone charger
Books/games/mags for filling in the time before and after op
Deoderant
Hair brush and make up bag to make me feel human again before I leave the hospital!

Pre-op don'ts:
Use fake tan 1 week before
Use aspirin, ibuprofen or arnica tablets 2 weeks before (or after) op, and no smoking or taking the pill for 2 weeks before apparently - all can thin the blood and prevent clotting which will slow down the healing of the wounds post op
Use deoderant or body lotion 24 hours before op
No make up, nail varnish, false eyelashes
No metal (piercings, hairbands etc) - I am replacing my navel piercing with a plastic retainer for the op which I got off ebay for about £2
No alcohol 48 hrs before surgery (I was told 1 week tho)
No food, drink or gum for 6 hours before admission (not surgery), no water for 2 hrs before admission

Pre-op do's:
Get anything out of high cupboards before op that you might need cos you won't be able to reach after
Get some easy to put on clothes that you don't have to lift your arms up to get into
Get lots of dvd's, books and mags to pass the time for the first week
Be lazy, do as little as possible, it's not worth risking your new boobies just to put the kettle on!

Hi hun, Lists look good. But how come no arnica for 2 weeks pre or post op? I thought you could take that pretty soon after BA if not before? I planned on taking it straight after....

Yeah I saw that on here this morning, I was told it can thin the blood and shouldn't be used because it can affect the healing time of the wound, I looked it up on Internet in case I'd been misinformed and it did say that. I guess it depends who you ask, it seems some clinics recommend using it x

thats a great list thanx!
If i may add throat lozengers bcs no doubt we will have very sore throats after they ram that tube down it...lol ugh!

Great list. Dont forget lip balm, the girls say that your lips get very dry after op. x

VRY good list hun!! I would add that you should buy a really good toner, because your face and upper chest will become GREASY after the GA and that lasts for a few weeks!

xxx

ali

arnica should be used a week or few days before and a few days after, no longer. I would always ask your surgeon about this as they may nogt want you to take it.



All in all very good list, think i will be using this. :)

maybe we can make a checklist sticky?

Thankyou Princess xx

Make sure your cell phone, house phone and remote to the tv are within reach for the first two days since you don't want to over-stress yourself reaching for items :)

Thanks for the extras, I'll add them to my list. It had not occurred to me that they would put a tube down my throat, clearly being v naive! x x

christ what an amazing list, well done princess, i'm turning the printer on for that one!!!
xxx

I collected so much info from different sites I had to do my own list, so thought it was worth sharing! Am really glad it's helpful x

I asked about the arnica and was told it is ok as long as you don't have previous probs with clotting or if you tend to bleed a lot, so am sure it's prob ok to take it.

Now how do I get one of those countdowns on my posts?

Awesome, thanks for that, I hadn't thought of quite a few things on here! Also thanks for the toner tip alexandra33, I hate that greasy feeling!

Soooo exciting!

Wish I'd had this before my op, fantastic list! xx

I had no idea I'd need to get so much stuff!

Defo making a note of all the things in the list! :thumbs: x

great list!! my nurse recommended arnica 7 days before and 7 days after so everyone is different.

Greeat tip on the toner ali my boobies feel very shiny and wax like xx

I was recommended Arnica to start just after the surgery and take for 1 week, 3x per day, 3 pills. It def helped with the bruising!

but every PS is different!

ugh nikita - the greasy skin was unreal!! Hope you're faring better than I did, it's just gone back to normal this week!!

Totally agree on the lozenges, had to get some on the way home form the hospital, because my sort throat was driving me nuts! And the toner for greasy skin - the greasy skin sucks as well!

Otherwise, very comprehensive! Maybe add some trashy magazines to flick through and only have to look at the pictures, and some chocolates or biscuits or something yummy an sweet to nibble on to keep by the bed side!

x

ali- mine seem to have a waxy layer over them first thing its a bit icky there all shiney xx

Thanks for the arnica info. I have taken it before so will definitely be taking it again, but like you say it may not be right for everyone.

Ugh to greasy skin! I'll be bringing a bottle of witch hazel then!

I'll also be bringing in a pack of baby wipes. Last time I was in hospital these were a god send. If you are in too much pain to get up and wash, or if you're feeling a bit yuck after the op these help keep you feeling fresh and clean. xx

Hi all, I have contacted THG and my PCC said they recommend the use of Arnica 1-2 weeks before and then a week after for the bruising.

I just had my blood pressure done at my local surgery and spoke to the loveliest nurse ever! She was saying how important it is to eat properly after the op as the oxygen and nutrients from the good food is fundamental in good healing.
She also recommended orange juice, lots of water, rhubarb and prunes for the post op clogged up issue lol x

Thanks Claire, I better get a big food shop in before my op then!

What a brilliant post - so informative!! I've less than 2 weeks to go and nervous as hell, but can't wait for these

Bumping up so I can find it for next week!