Pre Op Girls Who Need Prep Advice Started by: Imogen (@icrlm)

Hey Ladies,

My op is tomorrow (7th November) and I just wanted to share my prep with you as I know it’s sometimes difficult to remember all the info and what you need.

There is a lot of info and I’ve tried to keep this as short as possible. If you have any questions just ask 🙂

I’ve got some of the below on my Instagram page so feel free to follow. It’s a private account so you’ll need to message me for me to accept. Link: http://www.instagram.com/mya.ba.2016

* Stretch Marks: I’ve seen two girls get them at around 12WPO so have paid my boobs extra attention in an attempt to prevent them. This included applying cocoa butter daily from 3-4 weeks pre op and from 2 weeks pre op also applying Science Of Skin Stretch Mark Defence. I will continue to use this post op when safe. There is no evidence that any of this will help but there is no harm in trying. Regardless of this, you need to keep your skin moisturised PO.

* Purchase for post op: V or batwing pillow | neck pillow | ice packs | arnica tablets (for bruises) | hard peppermint sweets (for nausea on op day) | Vitamins (C, B complex, magnesium, zinc, omega 3 fish oil) | pharmacy co-codamol | ibuprofen | paracetamol | Senokot | Macom | high impact sports bra | tank top (3 sizes too big – to step into) | front fastening PJs | Belvita breakfast biscuits & Snack A Jacks (op day food – PO).

^^ NOTE, ibuprofen thins the blood and is not advised to be taken immediately PO. Speak to your surgeon as timescales tend to vary. ^^

* In the run up to your op:
I recommend having a couple nights sleep on your back at a 45 degree angle to get use to it as back / neck pain won’t be welcome post op.
You are advised to
1) to stop taking your contraceptive pill four weeks before your op and remain off it for two weeks PO due to risks of Deep Vein Thrombosis.
2) stop taking all vitamin supplements 2 weeks pre op.
3) remove ALL nail varnish (fingers and toes).
4) remove all hair extensions, false nails, false eyelashes etc.
5) Shower the day before / on the day of your op. You must not apply any skin products (deodorant, moisturiser, makeup etc.) after showering.

* Things to know for op day:
1) You cannot eat 6 hours before admission.
2) You can only consume small sips of water up to 2 hours before op.
3) Anaesthetic is absorbed through body fat so the less of it you have the higher the chances are that you’ll be sick. If you ate a big breakfast this will make being sick a lot worse.
4) Swilling your mouth out with water will help with the feeling of being thirsty and dehydrated.
5) tie hair up with hair tie which doesn’t contain metal.
6) remove all metal jewellery.

* Things you’ll need on op day: baggy top & bottoms | zip top | water bottle | dry carb post op food | entertainment (iPad etc.)

* Recovery (unders): You’ll be unable to do most things for yourself so make things as easy as possible for yourself.
1) prepare meals / meal plan containing foods high in protein.
2) pot up your meds / vitamins as child safe caps will be hard to open.

Good luck 🙂 Xx