Plastics Preparation and Recovery Checklist

Feb 28, 2012

I thought it would be helpful to assemble a list of things I found to be essential for preparing for plastic surgery (lower body lift) and for the first few days after surgery:

Emend anti-nausea pill taken 2 hours before surgery.  If you have a problem with nausea after anesthesia, this things works wonders.  Prescription only so ask your surgeon about it.  It works for 24-48 hours.
Fill all prescriptions ahead of time.  One of mine needed to be special ordered.
Know which painkillers work for you and request them from your surgeon.  I used Liquid Lortab which is what I took after WLS.
Full-time, patient and loving caregiver.  You really are incapacitated the first 48 hours after surgery and need full-time care.
Slip-on shoes or flip flops.
Pain pump in hospital that allows you to release pain killers into your system every 10 minutes.
On-Q pain pump for home use.  Sends lanacaine (I think) through body for additional pain relief.  Ask surgeon about it.
1-piece short or full-length zippered/snap nightgown.  This is what I wore home from hospital and around the house.
5" raised toilet seat with side handles.
Dial soap.  Great anti-bacterial soap.
3-way lift recliner.  Totally a lifesaver.  I rented it through a medical supply company.
TresSemme or Pssst! dry shampoo (found at CVS).  It absorbs oil (and odor) for those days you cannot wash your hair.
Arrange for medical transport (wheelchair transportation) from hospital to home.  Money well spent!!!
Move all groceries to bottom shelf of cabinets and top shelf of refrigerator.
Lightweight cotton blanket and fitted sheet for sleeping on lift recliner.
"Preparing for Surgery" guided imagery/meditation CD by Martin Rossman.  Really helped me relax and channel energy.
Assurance 24x36 underpads (found at Wal-Mart) to lay down and catch leaks on lift recliner or in bed.
Hoodie and yoga pants 2 sizes bigger.  With swelling, your normal clothes will not fit.
Multiple pillows for propping up and supporting legs/knees/head.
String/lanyard to wear around neck and pin drains to for showering.
Cotton/spandex stretchy tank tops (Target or Old Navy) to wear underneath binder once drains are removed.
Triple thick 3x3" gauze to change dressing.
Hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl allergy pills to help with itching.
Breakfast/TV tray for using laptop while sitting/laying on lift recliner.
Basket next ro recliner to hold remote controls, lip balm, cell charger, etc. so you won't drop anything on the floor. 
Antibacterial body wipes (found at CVS).  Great for freshening up.
Stool softeners.  I took them daily after surgery until I had a BM.
Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) chewable tablets.  Great for speeding healing.  Take 5 days before surgery and after.
Individual Ziploc bags containing the first 7 post-op days of vitamins and other meds.  It was so easy for my Mom this way.
Pillow for sitting on in the car to get to post-op appointment.
This did not happen to me but I couldn't imagine being on my period AND undergoing this surgery.  Make sure you schedule your period when Aunt Ruby isn't visiting :)

I hope this helps!  Here's wishing you a stress-free preparation period and speedy recovery,
Jen

 

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