Surgery Gear Checklist

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Neck Pillow

Best for car rides and sitting up in bed.

Recommendation: Therapedic U-Neck Pillow

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Wedge Pillow

Best for lying in bed to relax and sleep.

Recommendation: Abco Tech Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory-Foam Top

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Pregnancy Pillow

Best for lying in bed to sleep, especially in combination with the wedge pillow.

Recommendation: Queen Rose Luxury Long U-Shaped Pillow (Long)

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Heart Pillows

Best for sitting up in bed and elevating your arms/drains. Get 2 to make sure both sides are even.

Recommendation: Axillapilla

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Robe

I lived in my robe after surgery. So helpful to get one with pockets to stick your drains into, as well as one that's super soft on your skin!
Recommendation: Lunya Washable Silk Robe

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Loose sweatpants/joggers

Wore these to the hospital for all of my surgeries, and whenever I'd leave the house post-surgery. Good pockets are essential for holding drains, too.

Recommendation: Vuori Performance Jogger

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Button-Up PJ's

When you're lounging at home during recovery, a good pair of button up PJ's (thanks, movement restrictions) helps so much.

Recommendation: Eberjey PJ Sets (short or long)

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Zip-Up Compression Bras

To deal with the post-surgery movement limitations, I highly recommend a good supportive zip-up bra. Athleta has a mastectomy line, which has fantastic options.

Recommendation: Athleta Empower Daily Bra in Powervita

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Breathable Sleep Bras

I sweat a LOT when sleeping after surgery. Getting a good breathable sleep bra (still offers some protection from implant flipping but isn't super compressive) has been such a game-changer for me.

Recommendation: Lunya Supportive Modal Sleep Bralette

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Compression Shorts

If you have fat grafting from your abdomen, try these super comfy yet constricting compression shorts.

Recommendation: Carbon38 High Rise Biker Shorts in Cloud Compression

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Comfy Leggings

Basically what I wore 24/7 after my reduction and my mastectomy when braving the world without PJ's.

Recommendation: Lululemon Align Super-High Rise Pant

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Scissors

For cutting gauze pads.

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Bacitracin

To ensure the wound won't get infected.

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Alcohol Prep Pads

To clean the wound.

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High Performance Waterproof Tape

To tape down the gauze.

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Gauze Pads

To cover the wound.

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Eye Mask

If you're staying in the hospital overnight or napping during the day at home, an eye mask is super helpful.

Recommendation: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Eye Mask

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Laxatives

It's really common to be constipated after surgery -- highly recommend grabbing a diarrhetic so this doesn't become an issue!

Recommendation: Sena Pills / Miralax / Prune Juice

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Cough Drops

I'm always EXTREMELY hoarse after surgery due to the breathing tube, and sometimes it lasts a few days. Cough drops are a lifesaver, both in and out of the hospital.

Recommendation: Literally any cough drop

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Heating Pad

My back hurt SO MUCH after my mastectomy. I used a heating pad almost daily for a few weeks, which helped so much.

Recommendation: Virtually any heating pad, pictured is the Sunbeam Heating Pad

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Dry Shampoo

I have discovered dry shampoo throughout this journey and oh my god I'm never going back. SO helpful when you can't raise your arms / wash your hair for days/weeks.

Recommendation: Batiste Dry Shampoo

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Face Wipes

Best for washing your face when you're exhausted and in bed most of the time!

Recommendation: Burt's Bees Micellar Makeup Towelettes With Coconut & Lotus

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Body Wipes

Best for when you don't take a shower for a week+ because you have drains / restricted movement!

Recommendation: Goodwipes Body Wipes

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Drain / Shower Pouch

When you finally are able to shower (but you still have drains), this waterproof shower pouch is helpful for holding the drains with ease.

Recommendation: TRS Post Surgical Drain Bulb Carrier Pouch

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Long Phone Charger Cord

Best for when you're stuck in a chair/bed and can't move well.

Recommendation: Any 8-10ft cord for your specific phone. 

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Seatbelt Protector

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES I HAVE MADE! So helpful for every car ride I took for weeks after my mastectomy.

Recommendation: Mastectomy Pillow Seatbelt Cushion