No aspirin before surgery - it'll make brusing and swelling
worse.
Eat a nutritious, high-protein diet.
Before you leave for surgery, arrange your living space so
that you won't have to reach for anything you need (food, etc.)
when you get home.
If it's going to be warm or hot after your surgery, you might
want to ask the doctor ahead of time to order you two
surgical binders. That way when the one you're wearing gets dirty,
you can wear the other while washing the first one.
Take These With You To Surgery
Acidophilus supplements. Take these while you're on antibiotics to prevent yeast infections.
Button-down pajamas and button-down shirts. You won't be able
to get clothing up over your head after surgery.
Sweat-pants. Immediately after surgery you might be too
swollen to fit into the jeans you wore that morning.
Baby wipes or some sort of "Wet Ones" so you can keep clean
during the time before you're allowed to shower again.
Loofah on a LONG handle. Reaching your shoulders, upper arms,
and back is uncomfortable for a while after surgery, and it can also
stretch/rip your stitches.
Bendable straws in case you're too sore to lift drinks the
first couple of days.
Slippers and slip-on shoes. Take loafers, flip-flops, or
anything you don't have to bend for (see below).
After Surgery
Don't carry your luggage after surgery. You will traumatize
your chest this way by causing internal bleeding or pulling
stitches. Have someone carry it for you. If you're alone, ask
for assistance.
Keep your elbows below shoulder height for at least the first month
to avoid stretching your scars.
If you have scars, once the surgical tape is off your scars,
rub Palmer's Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E lotion on them to help
them fade.
If you have scars, keep your scars out of the sun for a year to prevent keloiding. If you must go out in the sun bare-chested, put white medical tape over your scars – not even the strongest sunscreen can do the job.
