Post-breast augmentation Advice for Pre-breast augmentation Girls!

[lacey320]

I'm eight days post-breast augmentation and I wanted to share some tips that have helped in the first week.

Sleeping on My Back:

Many people complain about sleeping on their backs. It stinks – I hate it! I remember when I was pregnant and my stomach got huge and I was very uncomfortable, putting a pillow or two under my knees to elevate them a bit helped. It has helped post-breast augmentation too! I wake up with less back pain. Walking around the house a bit (10 min or so) when I first wake up helps to relieve lower back pain too. You do get used to sleeping on your back, even though it's not fun.

Keeping the House Clean:

One thing that has been hard has been cleaning the house! About 4 days post op my house was a wreck! I don’t know about you, but a messy house depresses and distracts me.

It is definitely a good thing to clean as much as you can pre-breast augmentation. Post-breast augmentation, a few things dawned on me – especially the fact that I can’t be lugging my heavy vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs and pushing it over the carpet. I forgot I had a Swiffer Carpet Flick – it is this very light-weight plastic contraption with a sticky insert that glides over the carpet. The sticky thing picks up crumbs, hair, etc. It is great! Not as thorough as a vacuum, but the carpet looks so much better. I highly recommend it - it's practically weightless.

If you have to pick something up, try bending at the knees and letting your legs do the work lest you upset the boobies.

My mom recommended paper plates and cups – what a lifesaver. It really cuts down on dishes and having to load and unload the dishwasher. Oh, and use a straw for everything - makes it so much easier to drink things!

I have found the trash has been an issue too – dealing with the heavy bags is a no-no. I use a plastic grocery bag hooked onto a doorknob in my kitchen – it is much lighter weight, holds quite a bit, and much easier to maneuver than a big bag. Best of all, if you hook it over a doorknob, you don’t have to bend over to pick it up.

Weight Gain:

Obviously post surgery weight gain isn’t really weight – it’s fluids. I was 7 pounds heavier the next day (!!). Today I’m only one pound up from the morning of surgery. Yesterday I just started peeing a lot so I guess my body was ready to release all that fluid. In the meantime….

Salt is a big no-no. I love sandwiches with chips on the side. I’ve had the sandwich, just no chips.

If you get tired of water – I know I do – try iced tea or even juice. It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. I don’t normally drink juice because of the calories, but you have to take care of yourself post-surgery. Try pomegranate juice – a bit expensive, but if you can find a store brand, it’s not so bad. Tastes great, and it has good antioxidants!

I swear by Harney and Sons Green Flower Tea. That stuff is amazing. There is something in it that makes you release water! Just make sure to steep it a long time (10-15 minutes). It tastes really good, too, and it’s pretty – you can actually see the flowers in it.

Boredom:

I haven’t really been bored but my activity level has been pretty low, since I get tired easily. I saved some magazines to read post-breast augmentation – they are perfect because I don’t seem to have the attention span for a whole book. Listening to relaxing music on my iPod is nice when I’m still awake but resting and possibly drifting off to sleep soon. If you have a DVR, tape some good shows and movies pre-breast augmentation so that you have some things to watch afterward! I’ve also been catching up on phone calls to friends but here’s the funny thing – I can’t remember much of what I said when I was on painkillers, and I can’t remember for sure who I talked to and who I didn’t! Maybe keep a list of who you’ve called.

Hope this helps everyone!

[LuckyLulu]

Thank you! This is great advice! I'm very happy for the paper plates and cups! That is going to come in VERY handy with 3 kids. I've got to make this as easy as I can. I'm not telling family so I won't have any other help than from my DH who is in school and works full time.

Originally Posted by lacey320

I'm eight days post-breast augmentation and I wanted to share some tips that have helped in the first week.

Sleeping on My Back:

Many people complain about sleeping on their backs. It stinks – I hate it! I remember when I was pregnant and my stomach got huge and I was very uncomfortable, putting a pillow or two under my knees to elevate them a bit helped. It has helped post-breast augmentation too! I wake up with less back pain. Walking around the house a bit (10 min or so) when I first wake up helps to relieve lower back pain too. You do get used to sleeping on your back, even though it's not fun.

Keeping the House Clean:

One thing that has been hard has been cleaning the house! About 4 days post op my house was a wreck! I don’t know about you, but a messy house depresses and distracts me.

It is definitely a good thing to clean as much as you can pre-breast augmentation. Post-breast augmentation, a few things dawned on me – especially the fact that I can’t be lugging my heavy vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs and pushing it over the carpet. I forgot I had a Swiffer Carpet Flick – it is this very light-weight plastic contraption with a sticky insert that glides over the carpet. The sticky thing picks up crumbs, hair, etc. It is great! Not as thorough as a vacuum, but the carpet looks so much better. I highly recommend it - it's practically weightless.

If you have to pick something up, try bending at the knees and letting your legs do the work lest you upset the boobies.

My mom recommended paper plates and cups – what a lifesaver. It really cuts down on dishes and having to load and unload the dishwasher.

I have found the trash has been an issue too – dealing with the heavy bags is a no-no. I use a plastic grocery bag hooked onto a doorknob in my kitchen – it is much lighter weight, holds quite a bit, and much easier to maneuver than a big bag. Best of all, if you hook it over a doorknob, you don’t have to bend over to pick it up.

Weight Gain:

Obviously post surgery weight gain isn’t really weight – it’s fluids. I was 7 pounds heavier the next day (!!). Today I’m only one pound up from the morning of surgery. Yesterday I just started peeing a lot so I guess my body was ready to release all that fluid. In the meantime….

Salt is a big no-no. I love sandwiches with chips on the side. I’ve had the sandwich, just no chips.

If you get tired of water – I know I do – try iced tea or even juice. It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. I don’t normally drink juice because of the calories, but you have to take care of yourself post-surgery. Try pomegranate juice – a bit expensive, but if you can find a store brand, it’s not so bad. Tastes great, and it has good antioxidants!

I swear by Harney and Sons Green Flower Tea. That stuff is amazing. There is something in it that makes you release water! Just make sure to steep it a long time (10-15 minutes). It tastes really good, too, and it’s pretty – you can actually see the flowers in it.

Boredom:

I haven’t really been bored but my activity level has been pretty low, since I get tired easily. I saved some magazines to read post-breast augmentation – they are perfect because I don’t seem to have the attention span for a whole book. Listening to relaxing music on my iPod is nice when I’m still awake but resting and possibly drifting off to sleep soon. If you have a DVR, tape some good shows and movies pre-breast augmentation so that you have some things to watch afterward! I’ve also been catching up on phone calls to friends but here’s the funny thing – I can’t remember much of what I said when I was on painkillers, and I can’t remember for sure who I talked to and who I didn’t! Maybe keep a list of who you’ve called.

Hope this helps everyone!

[lacey320]

The easier you can make things, the better. I haven't really had any help, as my mom left two days after surgery, so I've been figuring out things as I go! The downloadable pre-breast augmentation checklists that are available on the web are really helpful as well.

Good luck!!

[Ashtoph]

Originally Posted by lacey320

I'm eight days post-breast augmentation and I wanted to share some tips that have helped in the first week.

Sleeping on My Back:

Many people complain about sleeping on their backs. It stinks – I hate it! I remember when I was pregnant and my stomach got huge and I was very uncomfortable, putting a pillow or two under my knees to elevate them a bit helped. It has helped post-breast augmentation too! I wake up with less back pain. Walking around the house a bit (10 min or so) when I first wake up helps to relieve lower back pain too. You do get used to sleeping on your back, even though it's not fun.

Keeping the House Clean:

One thing that has been hard has been cleaning the house! About 4 days post op my house was a wreck! I don’t know about you, but a messy house depresses and distracts me.

It is definitely a good thing to clean as much as you can pre-breast augmentation. Post-breast augmentation, a few things dawned on me – especially the fact that I can’t be lugging my heavy vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs and pushing it over the carpet. I forgot I had a Swiffer Carpet Flick – it is this very light-weight plastic contraption with a sticky insert that glides over the carpet. The sticky thing picks up crumbs, hair, etc. It is great! Not as thorough as a vacuum, but the carpet looks so much better. I highly recommend it - it's practically weightless.

If you have to pick something up, try bending at the knees and letting your legs do the work lest you upset the boobies.

My mom recommended paper plates and cups – what a lifesaver. It really cuts down on dishes and having to load and unload the dishwasher. Oh, and use a straw for everything - makes it so much easier to drink things!

I have found the trash has been an issue too – dealing with the heavy bags is a no-no. I use a plastic grocery bag hooked onto a doorknob in my kitchen – it is much lighter weight, holds quite a bit, and much easier to maneuver than a big bag. Best of all, if you hook it over a doorknob, you don’t have to bend over to pick it up.

Weight Gain:

Obviously post surgery weight gain isn’t really weight – it’s fluids. I was 7 pounds heavier the next day (!!). Today I’m only one pound up from the morning of surgery. Yesterday I just started peeing a lot so I guess my body was ready to release all that fluid. In the meantime….

Salt is a big no-no. I love sandwiches with chips on the side. I’ve had the sandwich, just no chips.

If you get tired of water – I know I do – try iced tea or even juice. It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. I don’t normally drink juice because of the calories, but you have to take care of yourself post-surgery. Try pomegranate juice – a bit expensive, but if you can find a store brand, it’s not so bad. Tastes great, and it has good antioxidants!

I swear by Harney and Sons Green Flower Tea. That stuff is amazing. There is something in it that makes you release water! Just make sure to steep it a long time (10-15 minutes). It tastes really good, too, and it’s pretty – you can actually see the flowers in it.

Boredom:

I haven’t really been bored but my activity level has been pretty low, since I get tired easily. I saved some magazines to read post-breast augmentation – they are perfect because I don’t seem to have the attention span for a whole book. Listening to relaxing music on my iPod is nice when I’m still awake but resting and possibly drifting off to sleep soon. If you have a DVR, tape some good shows and movies pre-breast augmentation so that you have some things to watch afterward! I’ve also been catching up on phone calls to friends but here’s the funny thing – I can’t remember much of what I said when I was on painkillers, and I can’t remember for sure who I talked to and who I didn’t! Maybe keep a list of who you’ve called.

Hope this helps everyone!

Thanks so much!breast augmentation is on Monday so you reminded me to get magazines and update my itouch!

[lacey320]

Originally Posted by Ashtoph

Thanks so much!breast augmentation is on Monday so you reminded me to get magazines and update my itouch!

Yes, definitely make some new playlists! It really helps.

Wishing you all the best on Monday!!

[scarletsails55]

Lacey320,
Thank you so very much for your sharing. My breast augmentation is on July 7. I have back problems (especially lower back) and I just can't imagine how I will sleep on my back all the time after my breast augmentation. Your advice about putting pillows under knees will definitely be very helpful! And I have a question for you about waking up right after surgery, I mean general anasthesia. I am a little bit scared of what I will feel waking up after anasthesia. Was it easy for you? What did you feel?
Thank you in advance and Happy healing!

[scarletsails55]

Originally Posted by Ashtoph

Thanks so much!breast augmentation is on Monday so you reminded me to get magazines and update my itouch!

Ashtoph,
Good luck on your breast augmentation on Monday! Mine is on July 7.

[lacey320]

Originally Posted by scarletsails55

Lacey320,
Thank you so very much for your sharing. My breast augmentation is on July 7. I have back problems (especially lower back) and I just can't imagine how I will sleep on my back all the time after my breast augmentation. Your advice about putting pillows under knees will definitely be very helpful! And I have a question for you about waking up right after surgery, I mean general anasthesia. I am a little bit scared of what I will feel waking up after anasthesia. Was it easy for you? What did you feel?
Thank you in advance and Happy healing!

Oh, funny you should mention waking up after anesthesia. I was probably most scared of this than anything else with breast augmentation, likely because I'd had a few bad experiences with it in the past. Mainly I had experienced a LOT of nausea, gagging, it was awful.

Here is why I think I had bad experiences waking up in the past - first of all, I was never given any anti-nausea meds, which seem to be pretty standard nowadays. Also, the two surgeries I had had - rhinoplasty and impacted wisdom teeth extraction - involved the ear/nose/throat area, where there is more likely to be blood, mucus, etc. (yuck, I know!) which is more likely to irritate the stomach.

So when I woke up from my breast augmentation last week, it was fine. I felt very sleepy, as though I'd been sleeping for days. At first I was just aware of the nurses talking. Didn't feel much pain at all, more just a heaviness in my chest. I had general, but I didn't have a sore throat from the tube or anything. They gave me anti-nausea meds before and during surgery, so I didn't feel any nausea when I woke up.

The only time I had any difficulty was when I tried to get up for the first time to go to the bathroom. I felt instantly dizzy and nauseous and in pain. I was still at the hospital (elected to stay overnite), and the nurse popped some anti-nausea meds into the IV and I felt fine within about 10 minutes.

I think you'll feel just fine! Like I said, I had those fears too. The good thing is, you're so out of it when you wake up, you'll remember very little. And the anesthesia keeps you from waking up in a panic or something - you will likely come out of it very slowly.

Hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

[scarletsails55]

Originally Posted by lacey320

Oh, funny you should mention waking up after anesthesia. I was probably most scared of this than anything else with breast augmentation, likely because I'd had a few bad experiences with it in the past. Mainly I had experienced a LOT of nausea, gagging, it was awful.

Here is why I think I had bad experiences waking up in the past - first of all, I was never given any anti-nausea meds, which seem to be pretty standard nowadays. Also, the two surgeries I had had - rhinoplasty and impacted wisdom teeth extraction - involved the ear/nose/throat area, where there is more likely to be blood, mucus, etc. (yuck, I know!) which is more likely to irritate the stomach.

So when I woke up from my breast augmentation last week, it was fine. I felt very sleepy, as though I'd been sleeping for days. At first I was just aware of the nurses talking. Didn't feel much pain at all, more just a heaviness in my chest. I had general, but I didn't have a sore throat from the tube or anything. They gave me anti-nausea meds before and during surgery, so I didn't feel any nausea when I woke up.

The only time I had any difficulty was when I tried to get up for the first time to go to the bathroom. I felt instantly dizzy and nauseous and in pain. I was still at the hospital (elected to stay overnite), and the nurse popped some anti-nausea meds into the IV and I felt fine within about 10 minutes.

I think you'll feel just fine! Like I said, I had those fears too. The good thing is, you're so out of it when you wake up, you'll remember very little. And the anesthesia keeps you from waking up in a panic or something - you will likely come out of it very slowly.

Hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

Thank you so very much! You have calmed me down:-) It is very helpful!

[marathongirl]

Originally Posted by lacey320

I'm eight days post-breast augmentation and I wanted to share some tips that have helped in the first week.

Sleeping on My Back:

Many people complain about sleeping on their backs. It stinks – I hate it! I remember when I was pregnant and my stomach got huge and I was very uncomfortable, putting a pillow or two under my knees to elevate them a bit helped. It has helped post-breast augmentation too! I wake up with less back pain. Walking around the house a bit (10 min or so) when I first wake up helps to relieve lower back pain too. You do get used to sleeping on your back, even though it's not fun.

Keeping the House Clean:

One thing that has been hard has been cleaning the house! About 4 days post op my house was a wreck! I don’t know about you, but a messy house depresses and distracts me.

It is definitely a good thing to clean as much as you can pre-breast augmentation. Post-breast augmentation, a few things dawned on me – especially the fact that I can’t be lugging my heavy vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs and pushing it over the carpet. I forgot I had a Swiffer Carpet Flick – it is this very light-weight plastic contraption with a sticky insert that glides over the carpet. The sticky thing picks up crumbs, hair, etc. It is great! Not as thorough as a vacuum, but the carpet looks so much better. I highly recommend it - it's practically weightless.

If you have to pick something up, try bending at the knees and letting your legs do the work lest you upset the boobies.

My mom recommended paper plates and cups – what a lifesaver. It really cuts down on dishes and having to load and unload the dishwasher. Oh, and use a straw for everything - makes it so much easier to drink things!

I have found the trash has been an issue too – dealing with the heavy bags is a no-no. I use a plastic grocery bag hooked onto a doorknob in my kitchen – it is much lighter weight, holds quite a bit, and much easier to maneuver than a big bag. Best of all, if you hook it over a doorknob, you don’t have to bend over to pick it up.

Weight Gain:

Obviously post surgery weight gain isn’t really weight – it’s fluids. I was 7 pounds heavier the next day (!!). Today I’m only one pound up from the morning of surgery. Yesterday I just started peeing a lot so I guess my body was ready to release all that fluid. In the meantime….

Salt is a big no-no. I love sandwiches with chips on the side. I’ve had the sandwich, just no chips.

If you get tired of water – I know I do – try iced tea or even juice. It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. I don’t normally drink juice because of the calories, but you have to take care of yourself post-surgery. Try pomegranate juice – a bit expensive, but if you can find a store brand, it’s not so bad. Tastes great, and it has good antioxidants!

I swear by Harney and Sons Green Flower Tea. That stuff is amazing. There is something in it that makes you release water! Just make sure to steep it a long time (10-15 minutes). It tastes really good, too, and it’s pretty – you can actually see the flowers in it.

Boredom:

I haven’t really been bored but my activity level has been pretty low, since I get tired easily. I saved some magazines to read post-breast augmentation – they are perfect because I don’t seem to have the attention span for a whole book. Listening to relaxing music on my iPod is nice when I’m still awake but resting and possibly drifting off to sleep soon. If you have a DVR, tape some good shows and movies pre-breast augmentation so that you have some things to watch afterward! I’ve also been catching up on phone calls to friends but here’s the funny thing – I can’t remember much of what I said when I was on painkillers, and I can’t remember for sure who I talked to and who I didn’t! Maybe keep a list of who you’ve called.

Hope this helps everyone!

Thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions. A messy house drives me INSANE!! I've been deep cleaning for the past little while in preparation for my down time. I love your idea for garbage & paper products. That didn't even occur to me. I've got some movies & I plan to watch a lot of project runway & house to get me through recovery. I think the lack of exercise is going to kill me. I hope I don't gain any weight. I'm going to need some kind of distraction. I hope your feeling well. Thanks again!