General Preparation Tips

[ ] Have lots of movies, books, magazines or videogames on hand. You need to take it easy for a few days, so you may become bored and anxious. Remember to take it slow!
[ ] A laptop can be a blessing during recovery. Trading stories with a surgery buddy or on the message boards, and emailing friends can help you easily pass the time while you are bedridden.
[ ] If you do not wish to have a laptop or have no access to one lap, maybe a Gameboy or a Playstation 2 or Nintendo Gamecube will keep you occupied -- you will get bored. Having these items will keep you from doing things you shouldn't be doing.
[ ] If you have a detachable, handheld shower head, this can be a definite plus. There are cheaper ones which have a rubber sleeve that fits over your tub spout.
[ ] Have a hand mirror on your recovery nightstand.
[ ] Keep a good moisturizer on your nightstand, as well.
[ ] A box of Kleenex is great to have on hand, especially if you get emotional from your medications or anesthesia.
] Have fresh film or a disposable post-op photo camera on hand. Especially if you are considering documenting your procedure online (on a personal site or a Breast Lift site like this one)
[ ] Have your journal and a few fresh, fully inked pens ready if you are wanting to document your post-operative thoughts in writing. Or type it into your lap top or speak it into a miniature recorder. Remember fresh batteries!
[ ] Body pillow is quite helpful, especially when you are allowed to sleep without major elevation. Learning to sleep with implants is an art if you are planning on getting them. Especially large implants. It is best to practice beforehand -- you'd be amazed at how much you sleep on your side or stomach.
[ ] If you think television, video games and reading are eventually going to bore you or stress your eyes -- have a Discman (or walkman) on hand with your favorite relaxing CDs.
[ ] Just in case the lights go out, have a flash light on your nightstand.
[ ] Alternatively, have a nightlight lighting your way to the bathroom should the need arise in the middle of the night.
[ ] If you don't have a laptop and you have online friends who are dying to hear from you. Have your significant other, or friend, post or email them with your recovery news. We worry, okay? Give them a list of the email addresses and URLs of the forums you frequent.
[ ] Have an answering machine connected to the phone next to your recovery area. Getting woken up when you just got to sleep is so annoying. Don't forget to turn down the sound and turn off the ringer.
[ ] Place a stool or plastic chair small enough to fit in your shower so that you will be able to take a shower while sitting, when you are able.

Three Weeks Before Surgery:

[ ] Quit smoking as soon as you can, but at least 2 weeks before surgery. Nicotine patches and gum can be just as bad, if not worse. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and can prohibit proper wound healing, leading to increased chances of necrosis and poor scar formation.
[ ] Cease all consumption of aspirin containing products.
[ ] Cease all consumption of anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc.
[ ] Cease all consumption of Vitamin E
[ ] Cease all consumption of garlic tablets, diet pills, energy pills, gingko biloba, echinacea and other herbal and homeopathic medicines which your surgeon has instructed you not to take. See out medication & supplement list on www.breastlift4you.com/medication_list.htm.
[ ] Begin eating a well balanced diet, rich in whole grains, lean protein and green leafy vegetables. Fruits can be essential, but please watch your starches, refined carbohydrates and sugar.
[ ] Begin shopping for your supplies such as pillows, batteries, recovery gear, homeopathic medications, etc.
[ ] Arrange for pet care and childcare in advance.

Two Weeks Before Surgery:

[ ] Start taking Vitamin C
[ ] Cease all alcohol consumption
[ ] Begin a low sodium diet; Dr. James Romano of California recommends no more than (1200-1500 mg/day).
[ ] If you haven't started a well-balanced diet, you should definitely begin eating a meal plan based on whole grains, lean protein and green leafy vegetables. Fruits can be essential, but please watch your starches, refined carbohydrates and sugar.
[ ] Have your prescriptions filled and buy other important medications, including over the counter (OTC) items. If you wait until later, the pharmacy may possibly be inconveniently in short supply.
[ ] Ask your surgeon for a prescription for a few valium or ask if you may take an over the counter sleeping medication such as Tylenol PM. It can be very difficult to sleep especially when your back begins to cramp up from sleeping elevated. Valium can help with anxiety and tense muscles, as well.
[ ] Remember to purchase an oral thermometer if you don't have one, it is imperative that you check your temperature regularly for for any fever. Many times, a high fever is a sign of infection. However, a slightly elevated temperature is also typical in healing patients. Usually, any temperature over 100.5º F is suspect, but be sure to ask your surgeon as to what temperature is acceptable.
[ ] If you are stressed you may wish to engage in light yoga, meditation or breathing exercises.

One Week Before Surgery:

[ ] Clean your house or have it cleaned by a maid service.
[ ] Pay your bills beforehand so you don't have to worry about it during your recovery.
[ ] Make a list of necessary functions for your caretaker, friend or significant other which must be carried out during your recovery (i.e. thermostat settings, errands, pet feeding instructions, etc.)
[ ] Purchase Bromelain tablets or Arnica Montana sublingual pellets (www.cosmeticsurgeryshop.com) but be sure to ask your surgeon for his permission.
[ ] If you have an older child you may wish to explain what you may need from him or her during your recovery. Household chores, personal care, food preparation, etc.
[ ] Be sure you have extra blankets on hand.
[ ] Talk to your spouse about any concerns that you may have, they may have some insights or questions you haven't thought of -- and they may be experiencing pre-operative anxiety as well.

2-3 Days Before Surgery:

[ ] If your caretaker will not be preparing meals, shop for easily prepared recovery foods like low-sodium soups, microwavable dinners, or cook your own meals and freeze them ahead of time. Also you may want to purchase meal replacement shakes and bars (watch sugar percentage), pudding, or Jell-O.
[ ] If you will not have a caretaker, place your non-perishable food items at hip level, on the counter, along with a can opener and other items you will need -- such as pots, oven mitts, silverware, plastic cups, bottled water, etc.
[ ] Take out the trash, recyclables, etc. so you don't have to worry about it during your recovery.
[ ] If you can't have either your children or pets cared for, tend to their needs beforehand, i.e. put cans of food on the counter with the can opener so you don't have to reach for it. If you have cats, change the litter box beforehand or buy several disposable litter boxes. You don't want to expose yourself to germs as well as no bending over!
[ ] Have all of your laundry taken care of before your surgery. Have clean towels, washcloths, several changes of comfortable clothes, and several pairs of socks easily available and at hip level.
[ ] Place all of your medications either in a weekly pill case or in labeled containers, categorizing them by day and time.
[ ] Set up a recovery area with all of your medications, entertainment items, cordless phone, intercom system, alarm clock if you need to be reminded for medication times, bottled water, a few packages of crackers, Kleenex, and anything else you think you will need.
[ ] A bedside lamp is essential for good lighting while reading, both for medication bottles and your books and magazines.
[ ] A flashlight should be placed next to your bed as well. You may want to use it to guide you to the restroom or kitchen in the middle of the night, or just in case the lights go out.
[ ] If you have a comfortable recliner, you may want to make this your recovery bed. You may find it is easier to get out of the recliner, compared to your bed, so try both out beforehand.
[ ] Have a bucket, pail or large coffee can with a lid at your bedside and on the ride home. If you become nauseated, you will have a catch pail and a means to seal it so you don't have to look at it or smell it.
[ ] Place your ice packs, bags of frozen peas, raspberries or blueberries in the freezer. If you have a vertical freezer, placing the packs and bags at hip level is best.
[ ] Have your heating pads, hot water bottles and instant heat packs handy.
[ ] Prepare a "kit" for your car for the ride home. This kit will include some low sodium or rye crackers, Cheeze-its or Goldfish crackers to help alleviate nausea, bottled of water or ginger ale, a large coffee can with lid, sunglasses, possibly your pain medications, pillows to prop up around you, a towel on the seat and a blanket or throw to keep you warm.
Begin washing with Dial antibacterial or Hibiclens soap to help rid your body of its naturally occurring Staph bacteria on the skin's surface. This can significantly decrease the amount of Staph living on your skin. Some surgeons instruct that you begin washing with Hibiclens or Dial three days before, again the next night, and the night before surgery as well.

1 Day Before Surgery:

[ ] Black out your windows so that when you do get to sleep, regardless of the hours, you can stay asleep.
[ ] Place personal care items and toiletries that you will need at hip level so that you have no need to reach or bend over. For instance, place your toilet paper on a foot stool near the toilet.
[ ] If you will not have a caretaker to prepare food for you, make sure that all of your non-perishable food items, can openers, bowls, plates, silverware and glasses or bottles of water on at hip level. A good place is the kitchen counter or table. You should not bend over, nor reach over your hear during your recovery.
[ ] Make time for yourself before your surgery; pour a bath, light some candles, listen to some music -- relax. Try to gather your thoughts and soothe your mind. However, make sure you shower and scrub your body with Dial antibacterial or Hibiclens soap afterwards, to ascertain that you are clean. You may wish to do again so before you leave for your surgery.
[ ] Wash your hair the night before surgery -- it may be a long time before you get to do that again. Be sure that it is dry before you leave for the surgery center, or hospital.
[ ] Some surgeons may instruct you to remove any fingernail and toenail polish, (or acrylic); do so if you were told.
[ ] If your surgeon has given you valium, you may wish to take one the evening before your surgery. This can help with pre-operative anxiety.
[ ] Do not eat anything or drink anything but clear liquids after midnight if your surgery is in the morning. Of course, if your surgery is later, your surgeon will let you know when you must cease food and liquid consumption.
[ ] Last but not least, relax. Excessive stress can hinder your recovery. It is important to not let your anxiety get the best of you. Perhaps practice your breathing exercises and try to get a good night's sleep.