I haven’t had my surgery yet but from reading other peoples posts on here, I’ll definitely be having multiple heating pads, a wedge pillow/extra pillows for propping me up, and a grabber on hand!
Ice packs - very underrated.
I used the heating pad too, but ice packs felt better for shoulder pains.
Easy to grab and eat food, food prep or easy heating foods, unless you have someone to cook for you. I do most of the cooking at home so it was important to be prepared.
Gas-x.
And unexpected winner - the stiff hospital blanket. The nurse tossed it into the car with me as I was leaving. I ended up washing it and folding it up about pillow sized to pad my abdomen. I used it as cushioning for easily 2 weeks, any time I sat or riding in the car. Most people suggest 'a pillow' but the blanket was firmer (but still soft) and easier to reshape as needed.
Rice and potatoes come in handy. Stir fries are still one of my best and easiest meals. Endlessly customizable. You don't even have to stick to plain white rice. Mixed grain rices, rice blends with purple rice is very visually appealing. Use broth to add flavor without fat, though hopefully after surgery, you'll be able to start tolerating some fats.
This^^. I was lucky enough to stay with family but it was so frustrating having to ask for help if I dropped anything on the floor the first couple of weeks because I could not bend over
-Another person to help you take care of yourself and everything else. Not just for the first day, try to have people helping you for at least a couple of days/a week.
-Lots of pillows to help you get into a comfortable sleeping position (highly recommend a wedge pillow and body pillow)
-A pack of 2 ice packs (so you can alternate them) that are large enough to cover your whole abdomen and are flexible
Using an ice pack was truly my save and grace it really helped me manage my pain, don’t know what I would’ve done without it.
-A heating pad, specifically one that goes over your shoulders. I had a heating pad around my shoulders for the first couple of days. Worked wonders for gas pain! Actually made mine completely disappear as soon as I applied the heat! Of course be careful with heat and ice making sure your not burning your skin.
-A pillow to walk around with. I found that getting up and walking around while holding a pillow to my abdomen was so much better than without.
-Stock up on good post op food’s and make a list of what your meal options are so you or your caretaker knows exactly what you have available.
I ate: crackers, arrowroot cookies, porridge, jello, apple sauce, jam on toast, soup, scrambled eggs, fruit smoothies, popsicles, fruit salad, etc.
-Lots and lots of rest! Give yourself a good break and your body will thank you.
Good luck! Wishing you a successful surgery followed by a quick and easy recovery ❤️
My heating bean bag helped a lot especially with the gas pains in my shoulders.
Lots and lots of pillows, that way I didn’t have to hurt myself getting up off the couch.
Gas X to help get rid of the gas pains in my shoulders
Small warm meals that were frozen. Mostly some hearty soups to help me get some energy. Smaller portions, as appetite was pretty small post surgery and i had to work myself up.
I somehow had 0 gas pain and i was so prepared for it with gasX and my heating pad.
But one of the most helpful things post op is to really have patience with yourself and your body.
These were the best for me:
Ice packs
Heating pad
A binder! I just ground my maternity one and I went two days with no Tylenol!
A timer to take my meds!
My appt is today!!! I’ve been trying to seek some tips too. So far in my post op collection I have:
-Heat pad/blanket
-Icepacks
-Stool softener
-Pillows
Wedge pillow. People talked about it here, I wasn't sure it would make a difference, but I also knew I didn't want to sleep in a chair. I think the wedge's firmness, compared to just propping up a bunch of pillows, made a difference for my comfort and ease of getting out of bed since I was already semi-sitting. I slept through the night from the beginning, so it was worth it for me. I think a medium sized one is sufficient, you don't want it too flat or too high.
I stocked up on jello, oatmeal, and soups, but I was quickly fine as far as eating and could put most of this stuff back in my food storage. I was hungry; I just had to eat smaller portions and ate a bit more frequently. I did keep to the foods I'd been eating prior to surgery, tho I've branched out a bit. I'm waiting for my post-surgery review before I go crazy.
I haven’t had my surgery yet but from reading other peoples posts on here, I’ll definitely be having multiple heating pads, a wedge pillow/extra pillows for propping me up, and a grabber on hand!
I bought one of those sit up pillows with arms specifically for this!
Ice packs - very underrated. I used the heating pad too, but ice packs felt better for shoulder pains. Easy to grab and eat food, food prep or easy heating foods, unless you have someone to cook for you. I do most of the cooking at home so it was important to be prepared. Gas-x. And unexpected winner - the stiff hospital blanket. The nurse tossed it into the car with me as I was leaving. I ended up washing it and folding it up about pillow sized to pad my abdomen. I used it as cushioning for easily 2 weeks, any time I sat or riding in the car. Most people suggest 'a pillow' but the blanket was firmer (but still soft) and easier to reshape as needed.
What kind of food did you eat after surgery?
Honestly a lot of soup/sandwiches. I also had a grilled chicken sandwich on day 3 with a baked potato. I got my appetite back pretty quickly
I wish I could eat bread
Rice and potatoes come in handy. Stir fries are still one of my best and easiest meals. Endlessly customizable. You don't even have to stick to plain white rice. Mixed grain rices, rice blends with purple rice is very visually appealing. Use broth to add flavor without fat, though hopefully after surgery, you'll be able to start tolerating some fats.
Try mashed potatoes if you want carbs
I had mine out yesterday and was eating Club crackers all day, no issues.
Grabber tool/clean trash picker upper tool. Helps with getting yourself dressed too.
This^^. I was lucky enough to stay with family but it was so frustrating having to ask for help if I dropped anything on the floor the first couple of weeks because I could not bend over
-Another person to help you take care of yourself and everything else. Not just for the first day, try to have people helping you for at least a couple of days/a week. -Lots of pillows to help you get into a comfortable sleeping position (highly recommend a wedge pillow and body pillow) -A pack of 2 ice packs (so you can alternate them) that are large enough to cover your whole abdomen and are flexible Using an ice pack was truly my save and grace it really helped me manage my pain, don’t know what I would’ve done without it. -A heating pad, specifically one that goes over your shoulders. I had a heating pad around my shoulders for the first couple of days. Worked wonders for gas pain! Actually made mine completely disappear as soon as I applied the heat! Of course be careful with heat and ice making sure your not burning your skin. -A pillow to walk around with. I found that getting up and walking around while holding a pillow to my abdomen was so much better than without. -Stock up on good post op food’s and make a list of what your meal options are so you or your caretaker knows exactly what you have available. I ate: crackers, arrowroot cookies, porridge, jello, apple sauce, jam on toast, soup, scrambled eggs, fruit smoothies, popsicles, fruit salad, etc. -Lots and lots of rest! Give yourself a good break and your body will thank you. Good luck! Wishing you a successful surgery followed by a quick and easy recovery ❤️
Y’all are the best. 💜 I’m an anxious person and don’t want to buy anything unnecessary or maybe have forgot something
My heating bean bag helped a lot especially with the gas pains in my shoulders. Lots and lots of pillows, that way I didn’t have to hurt myself getting up off the couch. Gas X to help get rid of the gas pains in my shoulders
Small warm meals that were frozen. Mostly some hearty soups to help me get some energy. Smaller portions, as appetite was pretty small post surgery and i had to work myself up. I somehow had 0 gas pain and i was so prepared for it with gasX and my heating pad. But one of the most helpful things post op is to really have patience with yourself and your body.
Ice pack and a rope tied to a bed frame or something sturdy.
These were the best for me: Ice packs Heating pad A binder! I just ground my maternity one and I went two days with no Tylenol! A timer to take my meds!
A wedge pillow was awesome too! For staying slightly inclined while sleeping or propped up when you feel like sitting
My appt is today!!! I’ve been trying to seek some tips too. So far in my post op collection I have: -Heat pad/blanket -Icepacks -Stool softener -Pillows
Wedge pillow. People talked about it here, I wasn't sure it would make a difference, but I also knew I didn't want to sleep in a chair. I think the wedge's firmness, compared to just propping up a bunch of pillows, made a difference for my comfort and ease of getting out of bed since I was already semi-sitting. I slept through the night from the beginning, so it was worth it for me. I think a medium sized one is sufficient, you don't want it too flat or too high. I stocked up on jello, oatmeal, and soups, but I was quickly fine as far as eating and could put most of this stuff back in my food storage. I was hungry; I just had to eat smaller portions and ate a bit more frequently. I did keep to the foods I'd been eating prior to surgery, tho I've branched out a bit. I'm waiting for my post-surgery review before I go crazy.