Diastasis recti repair journey

At the beginning of 2019 I started looking for plastic surgeons in the Gainesville area. After spending weeks researching ALL of the doctors I found, Dr. Gregory Gaines stood out to me the most. I made an appointment for a consultation at the end of March and I walked out of the office knowing I made the right choice. Within a week I scheduled my surgery! On May 20th, I will be having a tummy tuck with muscle repair and a breast lift (no implants). Dr. Gaines and his staff took the time to address all of my concerns.

These pictures were taken two days before surgery. As you see, my stomach is distended and I get asked if I'm pregnant. I have excess skin and my stomach is sore to the touch. I've struggled with trying to conceal my belly in everything I wear. I look forward to the days when I don't have to worry about it anymore.

RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH.
After watching countless YouTube vloggs, reading hundreds of RealSelf reviews, joining a closed Facebook plastic surgery support group and taking suggestions from my doctor, I felt like I was able to prepare for surgery without OVER preparing! I didn't want to buy a ton of stuff that 1) I didn't need or 2) didn't have room for.

DECIDING WHERE TO RECOVER.
I went out of state(from TN to FL) for my procedure so my mom could take care of me (and my kids). I'm a SAHM, My husband wasn't able to get much time off work, we don't have a big supportive family nearby and we have two young kids (4 and 9). My mom's house has been perfect for my recovery! It's only one level (aside from exterior stairs), she already had a medical bed, raised toilet seats, built-in shower seat and a wheelchair ramp on the side of the house. Just those things have made all the difference!!

WHAT DO I REALLY NEED.
1. An old granny walker! I borrowed a walker from a friend. Getting around is a challenge, without one it'll be that much harder.
2. Loose fitting clothes and slip on shoes. I searched clearance racks and thrift stores for comfortable, oversized, lounge pants and tops. Tops that stretch, button or zip and pants with soft waistbands.
3.Heating pad. Being hunched over for weeks will cause major back pain!
4. Pillows and neck pillow. Comfortably sleeping upright requires lots of pillow propping. Having a neck pillow will ease the unavoidable neck pain. ***Traveling to and from post-op appointments will be more tolerable if you hug a pillow.
5. Lanyards. Lanyards are the perfect length to clip drains to while showering (if DR approved). Using the lanyards instead of pinning the drains to your compression garment can also make things easier.
6. Stool softener. Under the advisement of my doctor I started taking over the counter stool softeners 2 days before surgery. I will continue to take them as long as I take prescription pain medication.
7. Vitamin C and Zinc. Also suggested by my doctor. Keeping a strong immune system is key to recovery.
8. Insulated cup with lid and straw. Staying hydrated is also very important. The straw makes it very convenient to get in the fluids!
9. Side table or stool. You'll need to have a few things handy at all times. Drink, phone, remote, meds, chapstick and phone charger.
10. Charting system. You'll need to keep a drain log (Dr should provide this). Also, have a Medication List to keep track of what meds to take when and the time you actually took them.
11. Dial UNSCENTED antibacterial soaps. I almost forgot to add this one. I was instructed by my Dr to shower the night before and the morning of surgery with Dial soap. I'll also use it for post-op showers.

***My doctor provided gauze, compression binder, surgical bra and compression socks.