After two pregnancies and an 80 lb weight loss journey, these are the items that helped with my abdominoplasty, muscle repair, and breast augmentation recovery
Sections
4
Sleeping Arrangements
Garments
Meal Prep
Cleansers, Ointments, & Supplements
Sleeping Arrangements
I spent almost all of my recovery time in this recliner. It reclines with the touch of a button so you're not having to yank at a lever. It also features two cup holders and hidden side storage with outlets.
ANJ White Power Recliner Chair with USB
I used this pillow as a head rest. I also removed it from the headrest and used it as lumbar support
HOMBYS Cervical Neck Pillow, Foam Headrest
It's important to keep your feet elevated after surgery
HOMBYS Extra Large Recliner Leg Pillow
A neck pillow was a must for sleeping in a recliner. I felt supported and slept without being jolted awake because my head was falling. A must!
napfun Travel Neck Pillow, 100% Memory Foam
You will want a light twin size blanket. Anything too big and heavy will be hard to move and adjust on your own. I had one already at home, but this one looks like a great option.
ViscoSoft Twin/Twin XL Down Alternative Comforter
This case fits nicely in the arm storage of the recliner. I could keep pens, glasses, and other odds and ends in here.
Sooez High Capacity Corduroy Pencil Case
This is an extra extra, but being able to control the thermostat from your phone is everything.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with Sensor
Garments
These tanks are perfect for wearing over your bra and under your abdominal compression garment. They are thin and soft and the straps are wide enough to cover most recovery bras. The abdominal compression garment can irritate the skin and cause blist...
Rosyline 4 Piece Women's Sleeveless Tanks
These were another great option. Soft and breathable for wearing over the bra and under the abdominal binder
Amazon Essentials Women's Slim-Fit Camisole
I wore a lightweight button down on surgery day and over my tank until my drain was removed. It made it easy to cover up when necessary. I didn't want an extra drain garment attached to me so the front pocket provided a storage space for my drain whe...
CHYRII Womens Plaid Flannel Button Down Top
These lounge pants were my favorite for recovery. Soft, comfortable, has pockets for drains, and pant legs lift easily. Abercrombie has a lot of great lounge pants to choose from if you have the budget for it.
Women's Cozy Lounge Knit Wide Leg Sweatpant
When I had my surgery, I didn't want to look like I was wearing pajamas. These are a great lounge pant. Pockets for drains if you don't want another thing attached to you and wide legs for easy on and off. Think about sizing up to accommodate swellin...
ODODOS Women's Lounge Pants with Pockets
These are my favorite compression socks! I wear these for flights, long travel, and anytime I just feel tired in my legs. So, I knew I would be using these post-surgery. The compression is mild so they are comfortable to wear for most of the day.
Comrad Recycled Cotton Knee High Socks
This recovery bra is very comfortable! The bra they sent me home in was so tight that it left marks. The velcro straps are easy to adjust and the front zipper closure makes this bra hassle-free!
BRABIC Zip Front Everyday Bra Post Surgery
The drain chain! Showering is hard after surgery and I didn't like any of the lanyard options because the thick sopping wet fabric was going to drive me crazy. So, I grabbed a long necklace I already had and strung the drain onto the chain. It was li...
HolyFast Stainless Steel Twist Chain Necklace
Fasten your hair to the very top of your head. I couldn't reach up to fuss with my hair, but I could flip my head upside down and gather my hair to the very top of my head to clip. These clips are easy to open and very lightweight. Also, having your ...
8PCS Flower Hair Claw Clips for Women
Underwear matters! Your scar is ver low and you don't want your underwear's waistband digging anywhere near the scar. These are comfortable and substantial enough to not move around and cause discomfort. They are also high enough to wear over your sc...
Hanes Women's Hi-Leg Cotton Panties, 6-Pack
This is the abdominal binder I was sent home with. I am 5'6" and do not think it would be a good fit for anyone shorter than that, but I do think it would be great if you're taller. I like that it has 4 adjustable straps because each one really does ...
LIPOELASTIC KPlus Abdominal Binder 32cm
I slip a lot and didn't want to take any chances! When I'm not wearing my compression socks, I'm wearing these to move around
Irisbear Womens Non Slip Pilates Yoga Socks
Meal Prep
Soup was a meal prep must for me since I figured I wouldn't want to eat anything too heavy. These bowls stack nicely and are big enough for a healthy serving. The lids have a venting feature. I'll be using these past my surgery meal prep.
Adewnest 20 oz Ceramic Bowls with Lids, Set of 6
Prepping overnight oats was a must for me. I was able to get protein and fiber as well as some fresh fruit. I made apple cinnamon oats with Kodiak Protein Oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, apples, cinnamon, and almond milk.
Yodecy 12 Pack 16 oz Wide Mouth Mason Jars
I just bought one canister from the grocery store and it made 6-8 jars of overnight oats
Kodiak Cakes High Protein Rolled Oats
Colorful and pretty food containers make a difference when you're miserable. It's a nice pick-me-up even if it is a little extra. I found these on sale for $10 last summer at my local grocery store and was saving them for something just like this. To...
Core Home Ruby Grapefruit 10 Pack Food Storage
The only cup I drank from! It's a bit heavy, but it fit perfectly in the cup holder of my recliner and the handle made it easy to grab and lug around.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Stainless Steel Tumbler
Tanner's Alaskan Seafood is shipped straight to you fresh from Alaska. It was so easy to pull a piece of fish out of the freezer the night before to cook the next day. It's so good for recovery and a light option that won't leave you feeling bloated....
Tanner's Choice Monthly Subscription
Cleansers, Ointments, & Supplements
Always follow your surgeon's orders and check before using any of these. This is just what was recommended to me by my surgeon.
Chat GPT told me this was the best oil to use to prevent stretch marks on my breasts. The addition of rosehip oil was important to me. But plain cocoa butter is the recommendation from my doctor to keep em greased up.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Body Oil, 5.1 oz
Simple is best for body wash. I used this to wash my body and my face because I was just to tired and sore to think about using other products.
Dove Body Wash Deep Moisture 30.6 oz Pump
Always check with your surgeon before taking any supplements! I was given these by my surgeon. I can't tell you if they make a difference or not, but day 8 I felt that most of my major swelling had gone down quite a bit and my skin was even looking b...
HealFast Surgery & Injury Recovery Supplement
This cream was given to me by my surgeon. I'm not sure that I would purchase it myself, but it was nice to have to alleviate pain on the top of my breasts as well as on my head and back. My daughter fractured her finger on the same day as my surgery ...
Fast Acting Pain Relief Cream 1oz
Gauze was helpful to shove in the places where any rubbing felt uncomfortable. It was just good to have on hand.
Band-Aid Flexible Rolled Gauze 3" x 2.1 Yards
You can't strain to move your bowels. I am prone to constipation so this offered some relief.
Colace 2-IN-1 Stool Softener & Laxative, 10 Ct
Always ask your surgeon before using! I had an emergency situation being backed up for 5 days. This worked immediately and provided so much relief. It was worth the temporary discomfort that comes with use.
Fleet Laxatives, Glycerin Suppositories, 3 Pack
Just to have on hand because surgery day can really dry out your lips