Preparing for the Op
Arrange time off work: I would recommend 7-14 days off depending on what type of job you do.
Buy sports bras- I bought a couple in different cup sizes and also get one that is one size up in back size to compensate for post op swelling (I found the ASDAs ones to come out on top- and only £7 for 2!
Make sure you have plenty of loose comfy clothes and pyjamas for recovery- preferably items that button or zip at the front. Nighties are also perfect for the first couple of days when it’s difficult to pull your pants down!
Purchase a V-Pillow- it really is a life saver for sleeping propped up!
Buy a gel ice pack- really helps with post op swelling.
Buy heat packs/ hot water bottle- trust me, you’ll need it for your achey back!
Clean the house and do all washing and ironing- no-one wants to recover in a messy environment!
Stock up on dry shampoo and body wipes.
Visit supermarket day before op to stock up on food and drinks.
Don’t forget to take pre-op photographs of your boobies- you’ll want to compare them to your new ones!!
Do not apply false tan 1 week before surgery.
If you are fair, get your eyelashes and eyebrows tinted. This makes you feel slightly more human when you’re going in for surgery without makeup!
If you take the pill you need to stop this 2 weeks before the op and same with alcohol! Let your nurse know about any medication you take, even if it’s herbal as it can affect surgery.
Make sure you have a good GP. The most stressful part of my whole experience was the trouble that I had from my GP- refusing me blood tests and suggesting that they did not have time to provide my medical notes! Don’t make the same mistake as me, so change your GP if you are not 100% happy with them.
What to pack for day case
Slippers (slip-on, not boots, for ease)
Dressing Gown (for modesty as your gown is open at the back!)
Pyjamas
Snacks
Drinks
Entertainment- books, mags, iPad
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Hairbrush
The morning of the op
Shower using a non fragranced antibac shower gel. Make sure you shave legs and underarms as you won’t be able to do that again for at least a week!
wash and blow dry your hair (as you won’t be washing it for the next 5 days!)
Do not apply deodorant, moisturizer, perfume, or any other toiletries.
Remove any piercings.
Ensure you a totally makeup and nail varnish free.
If you have long hair, tie it up in a bun on top of your head with a metal-free bobble.
Make sure you wear decent knickers: although many surgeons insist on patients wearing paper knickers, I was told to keep my own on, so thank God I was wearing a decent pair!
Wear comfy clothes with a snug hoodie that zips up the front to travel to and from surgery. Wear slip on shoes so you don’t need to bend down to tie laces etc after surgery.
No food 6 hours before admission time
No drinks 2 hours before admission
Post op
Medication: set alarms on your phone: every 6 hours for paracetamol, 8 hours for ibuprofen and 12 hours for antibiotic. This way you won’t get muddled up. Make sure you don’t take ibuprofen in an empty stomach.
Try and manage with ibuprofen and paracetamol as pain relief- Cocodamol is a stronger pain killer, but in my opinion, not worth the side effects of dizziness, nausea and constipation.
Some girls recommend to take laxatives- however I found that by drinking lots of water (invest in a sports bottle or buy small bottles of water for ease) and eating lots of fresh fruit (I bought pre-cut and packaged fruit as I didn’t have a helper at home) that this will counteract the bunged-up-ness from the meds!
Try to eat a healthy diet including plenty of lean protein (it’s really good for healing and rebuilding cells). You will find that it is all too easy to put weight on in the first few days after the op, so try not to overindulge!
BE LAZY and don’t overdo it…even though you might not be feeling any pain flushing the toilet or opening cupboards, the painkillers may be masking the real pain and damage it’s doing…so stay in bed and let someone else do everything for you! However, as soon as you feel up to it, try and get up every now and again for little wander round- this will ease up your stiff back and keep you mobile.
Trust me girls…you are not going to have an easy time sleeping on your backs.. So make sure you get plenty of pillows around you and one between you and your partner for protection (my boyfriend has a habit of flailing his arms in his sleep!) and also get a v pillow behind you- you’ll need it!
You will struggle to have sex for at least 2 weeks- hehe
You won’t be able to drive for at least 7 days so make sure you arrange transport if you need to get out and about in the first week.
And lastly…ENJOY IT! And enjoy your NEW BOOBS!!
