FINAL POST-SURGERY SUPPLY LIST

Prior to surgery, I made a video talking about all of the things I had collected to make my recovery process easier.

After going through the whole process, here is my updated list of recommended surgery supplies

Things To Buy:

• Bed Buddy Hot Pack: My lifesaver. Buy this, or you will seriously regret it. It smells funny, but it seriously is a god send. When your face is really achy and tingly, this is the only thing that will make you feel better. I used one for weeks. Found at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I bought some aromatherapy similar heat pack, and the thing was no where near as amazing.
• Jaw Bra: This thing saved me the first 3 days, prior to switching to the Bed Buddy. I got mine from the hospital- ask your surgeon if you will be getting one from your hospital, otherwise buy it. I put frozen veggies in plastic bags and slid them in the sides, much more comfortable then ice cubes and stayed cold longer.
• Food Tray Table: I had a mattress on the floor in my living room and I set this next to me with all of my meds and water bottle on it, so everything was close by at all times. It was so handy, and depending on how you're being set up to sleep, I highly recommend this
• Aquaphor: Found in the pharmacy section of Target, near the Carmex. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have this. I literally used to dozens of times each day, and continued using it months after surgery. It was my addiction, and it made me feel so much better. I've finally weened myself off of it, but I cannot imagine how anyone would get through surgery without Aquaphor. I tried Vaseline, it just wasn't as good.
• Children's Motrin
• Bromelain: Helps reduce swelling
• B-Complex: Boosts immune system
• Fiber in any supplemental form: Trust me.
• Baby Toothbrush
• Den Tek Easy Brush: Found in toothbrush aisle
• Q-tips: I went through an ungodly amount of these cleaning out my nose/applying Aquaphor
• Moist Facial Cleansing Towelettes
• Saline Nasal Spray: Prescribed by my Dr
• Boogie Wipes: Found in the baby section
• Kleenex with Aloe or Lotion
• Wisp Brush: Used for the first day or two after surgery when brushing hurt too much
• Kids mouthwash: Used after I finished the prescribed mouthwash
• Dry Erase Board: I didn't use mine at all, because I was only banded with 2 elastics, but I know it was helpful to a lot of other bloggers, so get one just in case.
• Notebook to write down meds/times
• Magic Bullet: I used a different brand than the bullet, but it was seriously the best thing to have. I ate SO many smoothies through a syringe.
• NutriSqueeze Bottle: Drank water out of this all.the.time.
• Baby spoons: I highly recommend these
• Best Rest Pillow
• Entertainment: I was so sick from the meds I didn't watch tv or have the ability to read for probably a soliod week. I suggest buying a book or two and maybe picking up a new movie to watch after surgery if you're feeling up to it. Gossip mags were my go-to!

Food:

• Go Go Squeeze: Found next to applesauce at Walmart. I ate these babies like they were going out of style. SUPER easy to fit them in your mouth and squeeze WITHOUT making a mess. Applesauce is really awesome when you can barely stomach any food. Seriously, buy these. I went through nearly 3 boxes
• Ella's Kitchen Organic Baby Food Similar to above, but found in baby food aisle
• Naked Juice
• Ginger Ale + A scoop of sherbet ice cream
• Gatorade
• Beef or Chicken Broth: If you can stomach it. I drank it once and couldn't drink it ever again.
• Jello: This was my 'go-to' food item constantly due to nausea from the meds
• Spaghettios- Chop the O's up a bit with a fork
• Mac and Cheese
• Mashed Potatoes
• Eggs
• Ensure Drinks

Things I didn't use/didn't purchase/didn't need:

• A sippy cup with a straw. What was I thinking? I couldn't drink out of a straw for WEEKS.
• Tongue scraper.
• Water Pik - Everyone RAVED about the Water Pik, but every time I tried to use it, I got water EVERYWHERE. I didn't feel like it was cleaning or doing anything but making a mess. Maybe I just don't quite understand how to use it, but there are only two buttons so I couldn't be that far off.
• Chapstick. It just doesn't cut it. Get Aquaphor.
• Arnica Gel: Didn't buy it
• Baby suction: Pointless
• Baby bibs: I didn't spill all over myself when I used baby spoons, and I drank everything for probably 3 weeks + out of syringes.
• Button up pajamas. I just wore a tank top and zip up sweatshirt.

Prior to surgery, I felt like I needed to have SO much stuff, because the more stuff I had, the better prepared I would feel. Surgery sucks, and yes, there are a few things that make it easier, but don't go all out and buy everything in sight because you think it'll help.

Three things I could never, ever have survived without: Bed Buddy, Aquaphor, and my momma.