Tummy Tuck Surgery Preparation Shopping List

Of course you don't need everything on this list. I am just giving you some ideas what you may need after tummy tuck surgery for your general convenience. You probably have a majority of the items on this list already and I have added blank spaces for things that you may want or need that I have not thought of.

It's a good idea to try to get all your ducks in a row before you have your tummy tuck surgery. Believe me, you will not feel like running to the store the days right after your surgery, so be prepared. Recovery from tummy tuck may take time and you may not be able to shop for the items you need for some period of time.

Pharmacy 

• Medications
  
• Pain medications
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Other prescription drugs
• Pill case
• Medication time chart of when to take your medications
• Oral contraceptive pills (Don't forget that if you are taking birth control pills that some antibiotics can interfere with the, so if you have sex, use another form of protection as well).
• Dressings, bandaging, gauze, antibiotic ointment
• Antibacterial soap
• Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications (or ask surgeon for a prescription)
• Fever thermometer
• Mild stool softener (like Colace. Ask your surgeon first.)
• Scar products, such as silicone sheeting, Steri-Strips, Mederma
• Moist towelettes, Make-up remover towelettes
• Topical arnica (not to be placed on suture line)
• Oral Vitamin C
• Elastic bandages (Ace bandages)
• Hot water bottles or heating pads
• Ice pack or cold compress
• Body moisturizer
• Hand moisturizer
• Boxes of tissues
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Grocery

• Ritz crackers, saltine crackers, vanilla wafers, Cheez-its or Goldfish crackers (Your choice, but something to help with any nausea)
• Bottled water, electrolyte, or energy drinks (ask surgeon if these are okay)
• Frozen dinners
• Prepared dinners
• Prepared pudding or gelatin desserts
• Fruit and fruit juice
• Cookies
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Other

• Lots of fluffy pillows
• Whistle, walkie-talkie, or an intercom system
• Digital camera, or film camera with film
• Journal
• Pens
• Gameboy or a Playstation/Nintendo
• Bucket or pail with lid (for nausea)
• Fresh batteries (for the TV remote, Gameboy, booklight, phone, etc.)
• Pajamas, robe, or oversized, comfortable shirts that buttons in the front
• Slippers with nonslip soles
• Hand mirror
• Hair "scrunchies"
• Music CD's
• Books and magazines
• Body pillow(s)
• Flash light or nightlight for late night bathroom trips
• Answering machine
• Lap top with long phone cord or wireless connection
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