7 Tips to Optimally Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

1. Preparing for surgery
   1. Enough sleep: Being in your best physical health reduces surgical risks and recovery time.  Walking and exercising are great ways to aid in recovery from surgery. Getting plenty of rest and trying not to worry about the surgery. With Dr. Horndeski’s office you will be in great hands.
   2. Eat healthy:   Try to eat foods with plenty of protein, lots of fiber and avoid anything that can lead to constipation (cheese). Try not to eat huge, greasy meals that will cause bloating and fatigue.
   3. Medications:  Make sure you bring all your medications that you currently take as well as the ones we send out for your surgery.
   4. Pack accordingly:  Make sure you bring comfy clothes that either button up the front or zip up the front. You will not want to raise your arms over your head. Also, bring shoes that are easy on and off.  If you want pants or shorts make sure they are loose and comfy. Tight pants like leggings that must be stretched to get on or jeans will not be too comfy.
      
2. Things to avoid
   1. No smoking:  Cigarette smoking negatively impacts wound healing on multiple levels. Hemoglobin, a molecule that transports oxygen throughout the body, cannot carry as much oxygen as usual when it is exposed to cigarette smoke. Smoking also narrows the blood vessels. This can slow the supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the healing wound resulting in wound closure failure and necrosis.  SECONDHAND smoke is even more dangerous so do not allow anyone to smoke around you.
   2. Certain medications:  Medications that can thin the blood or interact with anesthesia will need to be discontinued (if possible) at least two weeks prior to surgery. Some of the most common are fish oil capsules, Wellbutrin, St. John’s wort, Aspirin or aspirin like products and diet pills. 
   3. Alcohol:  Excessive alcohol can cause thinning of the blood which will result in unnecessary bleeding during surgery. A glass of wine a day or so before is acceptable.
      
3. The Bra
   1. Size: You can bring a current bra with you. In some cases, we want the bra to not touch the nipple for a few days after surgery and the current bra may be ideal. Usually, we ask that you get a bra that is the same as your current size around (34, 36, 38 etc.) and one cup size bigger than your current size and one smaller. Example is if you are a 34 DD, we ask you to bring the current DD and bring a D. If those do not work, we will be able to tell you what size to get once the doctor has examined you.
   2. Criteria:   You will need to have a bra that is underwire, has front to back adjustable straps, wide side support and minimal padding.  We will provide links to the bras that meet that criteria.
      
4. Prepare your home:
   1. Bed:  You will want to make sure you have clean sheets, comfy blankets and if you have an adjustable bed have it slightly raised so you are not lying flat.
   2. Pillows: If you do not have an adjustable bed, please use pillows to prop you up. Lying flat can cause pain and may not be comfortable.
   3. Bring things down to reach:  Because it will be uncomfortable for a few weeks to raise your arms over your head, bring things from upper cabinets down for easier access.
      
5. Flights
   1. Book a seat as close to the front as possible if given the chance to designate a seat. If not, or you can’t get one close to the front, we have an airline letter we can give you to help get you pre-boarded to ensure you will be close to the front.
      
6. Drains:
   1. You will have a drain in place under each arm. They will stay in for 3 to 5 days. There are several different post op items you can purchase online that will hold the drains for you such as while showering, or while dressed to keep them out of view.  You do not HAVE to purchase them as there is a clip that can hold them on your clothing.
      
7. Activity level while here in Texas:
   1. The two days after surgery will be the hardest. You will want to rest but we suggest you not be completely bedridden.  Movement and deep breathing will help get that anesthesia out of your system so we do suggest you do walk at least 15 minutes every hour or so.
   2. You may not be up for doing much sightseeing after surgery. Though Houston (and surrounding areas) has a lot of great places to visit, you may be too tired or sore.

Thoroughly preparing your home, health, lifestyle and mindset can help your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Follow these tips and don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any other specific preparation questions.