First surgery coming up

JacquiS​ Before discharge I was given a short info sheet from the hospital about what to expect during recovery, wound care, and what not to do including "No running/jumping or bouncing for 6 weeks" - my surgeon was a little surprised when he saw that notation a few weeks later and said I could bounce if I want to (I definitely didn't feel like it so soon!).

I struggled a bit using the post-surgery Berlei bra because I didn't have strength in my arm to do up the closures on my own. Crop tops came in handy (though they were a bit hard to put on at first due to limited arm movement) and I slept in them to keep my breasts from moving around at night. The hospital should tell you if you need compression or not.  I went back to work a week after surgery and was wearing an wireless normal bra during the day but everyone is different.

Is the surgery on your dominant side? If so, it will take a bit of effort to use your non-dominant hand to do normal tasks like brushing teeth, cutting up food, or lifting things.  

My breast care nurse had given me a booklet of exercises - she encouraged me to start doing them before surgery and then continue on post surgery.  At first the limited range of movement felt frustrating but each day it got better. 

I'd suggest stocking up on favourite foods and making sure you've got button or zip-up tops to wear as they will be easiest when you are first recovering. Baby wipes are good for a body-clean until you're ready to shower.

Listen to your body and go with the flow.

All the best.