If everything falls into place and you decide to go through with the surgery, you will need to make some preparations before you go under the knife. If your surgeon doesn’t do blood work, you will need to schedule an appointment with your regular doctor for a physical exam and blood work at least one week before your surgery. Again you will want to schedule this appointment as soon as possible, as some doctors are booked weeks in advance.
You will need to expect to spend at least the first two to three days basically incapacitated, so you will need to have someone available to take care of your children and you during this recovery period. To reduce the stress and disruption your recovery will cause your household make a few preparations before you go to surgery.
Clean your house so you don’t have to worry about it for a couple of weeks.
Wax areas like underarms and legs right before surgery so you don’t have to bend to shave. This is especially important if you plan on getting an underarm incision.
Water your plants.
Remove nail polish from your nails. This is necessary because doctors examine the coloration of your nails to monitor your blood oxygen levels during the times when you are under anesthesia.
Shop for convenience. Buy prepared meals that can be microwaved or heated up easily, place items on lower shelves so you don’t have to reach to retrieve them, and place pain meds and water containers on bed stand so they are easy to get to.
Get extra pillows, ice packs, and support garments ready for your post-op recovery period.
Get someone to stay with you to help you for the first week after your operation, and especially for the first three days after surgery.
Purchase stool softeners or gentle laxatives. Some people have a tendency to get constipated after being sedated.