Your Pre-Surgery Shopping List

There are so many things to do before undergoing cosmetic surgery, ranging from doctor appointments, to possible lab tests, to arranging for your transportation and care after the surgery is complete. However, in the hustle and bustle of preparations, don’t forget to make a special shopping trip for items you may need during your recovery. Here, Atlanta plastic surgeon Marcus Crawford provides some tips for what to put on that pre-surgery shopping list to help ensure a smooth and uneventful recovery period.

• Easy-to-eat food and drinks: Chances are good that you will not feel up to cooking after surgery. Furthermore, you may find that certain foods, including anything spicy, may not agree with you during your recovery period. Foods such as low-sodium soup, crackers, bananas, applesauce, protein bars, protein shakes, pudding, yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, Jell-O, frozen dinners, and popsicles will provide the nutrients you need in an easy-to-digest formula. You will also want to have pulp-free juices, ginger ale, water, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, and clear soft drinks. Make sure you have enough food and drinks to last for two weeks after surgery.
• Make your own meals: If you are feeling particularly ambitious before your surgery, you can prepare and freeze meals that can be easily heated in the microwave. Good choices would include low-sodium stews and soups, as well as anything high in protein. Again, avoid overly spicy food, as this may upset your stomach after surgery.
• Stop by the pharmacy: Make sure you have enough of any prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers, to see you through your recovery period. Also stock up on blue-gel ice packs and Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling. Absorbent pads are good for any minor bleeding that may occur at the incision site. Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer are good choices to keep down the risk of spreading germs to the incision site. Don’t forget to pick up some baby wipes. These will come in handy as a quick and easy way to clean up and feel refreshed if you cannot shower or bathe. The last pharmacy item you may need is compression bandages or garments. These are particularly useful following a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure.
• Entertain yourself: The truth is that you will be spending a great deal of time not doing much of anything but resting and recovering. While this is obviously important for you to fully heal, it’s only natural to get restless and bored. Stocking up on magazines, DVDs and books to keep you entertained will help alleviate that post-surgery boredom. This is the time to indulge yourself in trashy romance novels, crossword puzzles, spy caper movies, or word jumble games.

When planning your pre-surgery shopping list, the key thing is to remember that you are likely to be recovering for anywhere from two to eight weeks following surgery. For the first few weeks, you may not even be up to getting out of bed, let alone going grocery shopping. Planning ahead will make your recovery as smooth as possible. If you need help planning your shopping list, or have any questions, contact our Atlanta area practice.