Susan's Place Transgender Resources

May be a dumb question, but what did you/should you bring with you when having top surgery?

I'm thinking change of underwear, clothes, food, drink, stuff to do ect.

I don't want to end up in a hospital post op needing something that isn't there :P


Thanks in advance

When I woke up from surgery, I certainly wasn't aware / awake enough to DO anything! I was thirsty and that was about all my brain could muster. By the time I came out of my brain fog, I was on my way home (I lived close).

Now at home, or hotel or wherever you are headed, that's a different story. THAT is where you'll want things to keep ya busy: books, internet, etc. Also, have on hand a button up shirt--preferably one that's a lil too big--to wear, if you want to wear a shirt. You're not going to be lifting your arms for a while!

Good luck! Cheers

They should provide you a list with what to bring along.

Additionally you might consider not being able to lift heavy and not being able to reach high.
So having a few foods ready already cooked and frozen ... keeping things within easy reach ... and maybe asking a few people to help for some time each day might be a good idea.

And you could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,189332.msg1698168.html#msg1698168


hugs

Loose fitting clothing like button downs and sweats. You won't be able to put on a t-shirt so be ready for that. I also got myself compression socks. These help circulate blood flow so you don't have a risk of getting a clot in your legs because you'll be in bed for about a day or 2. Neck pillow was a life saver and I highly recommend one (memory foam is the best). Straws too because you don't even want to lift a glass or mug.  Laxatives helped because the medications and anesthesia can cause you to be backed up.

Quote from: RaptorChops on May 11, 2016, 04:05:36 PM
Laxatives helped because the medications and anesthesia can cause you to be backed up.

At least one surgeon uses plum juice for a natural solution.
If in doubt ask your doc  :)

hugs

I didn't have to worry about food and such, it was part of the whole staying in the hospital deal (and my mom brought me soda without even asking). But I didn't really need much, I stayed in the hospital for just one night in case there would've been complications so it was just a change of clothes that would be easy to put on with limited upper body mobility (oversized button down shirt was perfect).

I think I brought my DS with me but honestly I was too tired to even think about playing anything. :D I just mainly watched tv and slept.

Mine was done outpatient, but I had to stay near my surgeon's office overnight so that she could look me over in the morning. To surgery, I wore a pair of basketball shorts, underwear, slip on shoes, and a button up shirt. In my overnight bag for the hotel, I packed a change of underwear and socks and a pillow.

We brought all my prescription meds that my surgeon told me to get (anti-anxiety, sleep, anti-nausea, and pain meds). We also got ginger ale and crackers. When it was clear that I was fine to eat real food (probably 5ish hours post-op), I had a friend come over and bring me some soup and lemonade.

Phone charger, phone, wallet, keys. I think that's about it.

It was day-surgery for me, so just my ID and Health Care Card (in canada). I got there in my botton down top and jeans, and left in those.