Top Surgery Survival Guide | Post Op Packing List & Tips! (PART 1/2)

Part one of a two part series on what to pack and some other tips on what to expect your first week post-op!
Part 2 - • Top Surgery Survival G...
I had double incision top surgery with Dr. Garramone on October 10, 2017. Watch all my top surgery update videos here - • Top Surgery Updates [N...
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Drain Pouch Tutorial - cooksewsmile.b...
Seatbelt Pillow Tutorial - americanlifesty...
(Note that both of these are targeted toward making them for women with breast cancer)
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[@h.a.k8830]

- Slip-on shoes, shorts and sweatpants - button up shirts and zipper hoodie - compression socks - drain apron - seatbelt pillow & setting pillow - electric toothbrush (not necessary) - Hibiclens (8 oz) - baby wipes for body, summer eve’s wipes for down there - face wash, face moisturizer, dry shampoo, spray deodorant.

[@biggestptvlover]

i watched this video 2 years ago. now i’m back to watch it again 3 days before my surgery :)

[@CelesteM]

Ahh, congrats! I hope everything goes smoothly!

[@biggestptvlover]

@@CelesteM tysm!

[@clownpuppy]

"You don't wanna do anything that gets your heart rate up" me, with pots: oh no

[@W3irdK1d28]

oh how fun

[@noelyk]

i’m having surgery in 3 days and this is great for my last minute packing panic! thank you!!

[@CelesteM]

Awesome, congrats and I hope all goes well!

[@arson.c]

congrats! im in the process of making my consultation appointment! i hope it went well and that youre recovering alright 😁

[@noelyk]

@@arson.c aw thank you! i’m doing great and could not be happier😁 hope everything goes smoothly for you too!! x

[@TKent-Andre]

Thank you. I’m helping my son to recover this week. I’m nervous and you have really been helpful

[@CelesteM]

Awesome! Congrats to your son and best wishes that recovery goes well!

[@AzariaSpace1]

I’m so glad your son has such a supportive mom! Hope you two are doing well

[@lawrencescales9864]

You’re an angel, I hope he healed well!

[@dantesos7564]

Thats so sweet. Im having surgery tomorrow and my mom refuses to come so... 😕😔

[@elijahfranklin6616]

@@dantesos7564 I hope your recovery went well dude !

[@pigeondemigod]

Reading all the supportive parents' comments are so wholesome omg 🥲

[@hellachildish1717]

I'm rewatching this because I have my first consolation coming up and mildly freaking out

[@waffal66]

I'm getting it done on Friday. I'll let you know some stuff if I remember.

[@softiejace]

im having surgery in a little less than two weeks and this covered a lot of stuff i hadn't rly thought about! thanks!

[@mostlylee4478]

I’ve got a couple days until surgery and am using videos like this to cope

[@HoundTeethers]

how did ur procedure go? I'm getting ready to have my own top surgery and would love to hear more personal experiences!

[@magnuslightwood8818]

I'll have top surgery in less than 10 hours, I'm so nervous and excited! :D

[@CelesteM]

I just saw your comment, so I hope your surgery went well!

[@magnuslightwood8818]

@@CelesteM Hi! Yes, it went well :D Didn't sleep much tho but once the drains are out I will feel better :)

[@CelesteM]

@@magnuslightwood8818 Yes definitely!

[@idealist4life]

Yikes! This is the scariest top surgery video for me, so far. I have a high pain tolerance, so that part has not been my focus about the surgery and recovery. But, I am a very independent person and from this video, I get the feeling that I am not going to be able to do much of anything for myself. I would rather deal with more pain and have something take me 10x as long to do, rather than have to have someone needing to bathe me, even the way you did it. I do not have anyone in my life that I am going to feel comfortable doing that or helping me change my underwear. I also have a dog that will need go out, etc. The more I research, the more I feel overwhelmed with the logistics of how I am ever going to be able to get this done. Insurance will actually cover a needed breast reduction, because of spinal issues that cause me chronic pain, so it just makes sense that I arrange to have the full top surgery at the same time. I am going to need to keep researching and find ways in which I can be recovering ON MY OWN as soon as possible after the surgery.

[@CelesteM]

I know of people who have done it, but I imagine it's pretty hard. I definitely would at least recommend having someone with you the first 24 hours or so in case of emergency and because you'll still be recovering from the anaesthesia. I think I probably mentioned in the video that different people have different needs after surgery, so some people need a LOT of help and others, less so. It's hard to predict ahead of time but if you're able to at least have anyone available that you COULD call if you needed it, it might put your mind at ease. Either way I wish you luck in figuring things out! ❤️

[@shawndpadley]

You had to spend 6 WEEKS sleeping on your back??? I got mine 3 weeks ago and was comfortable on my side a couple days after I got my drains out.

[@CelesteM]

That's what I was told to do, so I did it! I'm sure I could have cut it much shorter but I definitely wouldn't have been comfortable after just a couple days. It's funny how much variation there is in stuff like that!

[@victorianghost16]

I'm getting top surgery soon

[@jimmyfontaine2293]

THIS WAS SUPER HELPFUL! I have my consultation next week, didn’t even think about some of the hygiene stuff until I saw this vid. Will be watching this video again when I start my packing list / pre-op shopping spree!

[@holdthatghost]

I'm flying out to Garramone this weekend and I can't sleep, ANXIOUS! I've waited over 20 years lol

[@CelesteM]

Wow, that's a long time! Congratulations and I hope everything goes smoothly!

[@queer2k]

Thank you for these videos - that huge chair must have been nice to recover in. I have a recliner, so hopefully that'll help things out. My surgery is Sept. 1, wish me luck, I'll definitely be using all your fantastic tips!

[@CelesteM]

I definitely do wish you luck and congratulations! 💗

[@jaylankau]

was looking around for a video like this as my surgery is in 8 days and by total coincidence I'm going to see Dr. Garramone as well!

[@CelesteM]

Awesome! I hope all goes smoothly with your surgery and recovery!

[@jaylankau]

@@CelesteM I'm 4 weeks post op today and the chest pillow (I got a mastectomy chest pillow) is such a life saver! I don't think I would be able to sleep without it and the travel neck pillow!

[@organrat6818]

I am getting top surgery in 7-10 months and I am very excited!

[@That_Demiboy_Poker]

I hope it goes well for you! ^^

[@organrat6818]

@@That_Demiboy_Poker I will update when it happens!

[@That_Demiboy_Poker]

@@organrat6818 Alright, thank you! ^^

[@Xosidhe]

OMG the drain pouch! I had surgery 2 days ago and sometimes I wake up and the drains are pressing into my chest if a pillow was pressing on them or something, which was really painful. I can’t fall asleep upright though, so I found a way to sleep mostly on my back sort of turned to the side. Sleeping isn’t fun right now

[@unspokenvoices3399]

Thank you so much for posting this (and going to post part 2) !! I'm always looking for more info & tips/tricks for pre-op & post-op.Very helpful ! I also love your alien t-shirt 👽🖤👽

[@3SiameseCats]

Super interesting to watch, even though I don’t have a top surgery appointment. One day though, one day.

[@wickedphantommisgirl]

thank you so much. I'm helping my best friend recover in a few weeks and I've been doing as much research as I can to make sure I take good care of him! You're awesome!

[@jimmyfontaine2293]

Definitely the most thorough and helpful top surgery prep video I've seen--thank you!

[@kstadlerova]

me watching this even though i know damn well i won´t be able to get top surgery for a LONG time. like this is a secret fake account and i would never watch this on my regular account long. and i sadly don´t just mean my family, more like almost everyone in my life and my country.

[@JNIA5]

my consultation is in 10 days and I'm already trying to preapare - this video has been a great help! thank you so much!

[@oldchannel7031]

Thank you a lot! Getting top surgery in two weeks and I'm really nervous, but thanks a lot for the packing list, I feel much prepared now :3

[@CelesteM]

Congrats and good luck on your surgery! ❤️

[@kristopherliang6196]

Thank you for post this video I was watching this video over and over again just to make sure I got everything before I got my surgery for next week

[@SoberAF1]

Definitely the most helpful video to help me get prepared for my surgery. Thank you.

[@aktress01]

This video was super helpful!! So many things I didn’t think about using. I’m only 3 weeks away! Thank you

[@aristotle7564]

I plan to get a nursing pillow which would serve the same purpose as the pillow you made

[@cptangerine]

Very helpful video!! Thank you for the information!! I’m planning on getting top surgery soon and this video definitely helped me improve my plans for post-op.

[@Watermelonhusky]

Am I the only on that noticed in the drain pouch pic that the shirt was kinda the colors of the trans flag Edit:I support you I'm trans myself

[@alexnoah7943]

Gonna have top surgery in like 5 years but still watching this to be prepared

[@phantom-thief]

I'm having my surgery a week today and I'm terrified cos I'm gonna be on my own nearly 200 miles away. Wish I had someone to support me 😔

[@kolejohnson2675]

You look amazing!!!! I found you actually on dr. G’s website!!!!!

[@CelesteM]

Oh awesome! Thank you!!

[@Xosidhe]

Also, since instructions vary so much from doctor to doctor, about bathing, I was told I could shower when I went home. I have drains & steri -strips with a compression vest. I didn’t take a shower though-I’ve been filling the bathtub halfway and sitting in it and using wet wipes sort of like a washcloth to clean my armpits, arms, back, pretty much everywhere other than the line of steri-strips, and I haven’t been getting my hair wet, but have been washing my face. It sounds like maybe you had more swelling and pain? I’ve mostly been able to take off clothes and do everything just fine on my own so far.

[@scarletnxphilim2534]

i'm getting my consult this friday! pretty nervous but excited to finally take a step towards getting it done.

[@kadenshamblin5858]

Super helpful video. Just watched it as I packed my bag for my surgery 🙏🏻

[@leomay8239]

This is super helpful. Thank you for sharing this with us. Unfortunately I'm a long way off top surgery but it's still good to know

[@cedarpentowski5452]

What would you suggest for someone that might not have anyone around to help them 24/7? My mom has unofficially disowned me and I don't have any really close friends that could help me clean myself or any of that post-op. I know that there's possible help I could get through my doctor(I live in Canada, Ontario to be specific for anyone else reading this) and I was going to talk to her after learning about who's available to do my surgery. I want my surgery done, I feel as if I've waited long enough for it(I'm 27) and the only thing that's held me back is the post-op.

[@CelesteM]

There's a big top surgery group on FB - I would recommend posting there and seeing if anyone has ideas on resources in your area!

[@Jaaa_zy]

hoping to get surgery in the future. this will help

[@andrew4635]

This was incredibly helpful to watch, thank you!

[@Misszeldafairbright]

Great and informative video!!!Can't wait to see part 2! Are you fully recovered now from surgery?

[@CelesteM]

Pretty much! Still healing some but mostly back to normal.

[@gray5828]

So useful, as all your videos are :) thank you

[@dantesos7564]

😕 im having surgery tomorrow and just realized how ill prepared i am. Since I have no support, no one helped me think of things I needed and I have been so anxious and its been a hard transition so now im even more worried cause i dont have an open tshirt to wear for tomorrow, darn.

[@CelesteM]

I hope your surgery went well and that you're able to take care of yourself okay! I'm so sorry you don't have any support ❤️

[@dantesos7564]

@@CelesteM Thank you so much. Everything went well I think. Came home with hospital gown lol. Didnt realize all the places you can get itchy at once when you cant scratch 😂

[@bisontyson4397]

My top surgery is 10 days away, thankfully my girlfriend and dad will be helping me. My girlfriend obviously sees me naked frequently, so that comes in handy for helping me clean myself. I plan to sleep on the couch, just because getting up and down will be much easier than in my bed. Which is next to the wall, and I sleep on the inside between the wall and my girlfriend. I also have bladder issues, so I know I’ll be up and down multiple times a day just to pee. So I shouldn’t have to worry too much, about not moving and blood clots.

[@CelesteM]

That all sounds like a good plan! Best of luck with your surgery and recovery ❤️

[@bisontyson4397]

Celeste M Thank you so much!! My surgery was on April 16th, I’m two weeks post-op today and couldn’t be happier! Everything went smooth, my surgeon said I was one of the easiest patients she’s worked on. 😂

[@CelesteM]

@@bisontyson4397 Wonderful!!! 💗

[@cathy5070]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@unintelligentintellectual8508]

I LOVE your hair!!!!!!!!

[@c.schilling6894]

That pillow seems awesome and I'd love to see the pattern and make one. Could you please post that?

[@CelesteM]

It's not exactly a pattern but the dimensions shown here are what I used to make mine! previvingandthriving.com/mastectomy-must-haves/

[@c.schilling6894]

@@CelesteM Thanks so much!

[@foxlineslp]

I'm 14, female, and a lesbian and I want to get top surgery (I'm not trans or anything, would still identify as female, just uncomfortable with having breasts) and I'm watching videos on top surgery and survival guides so I can know how it's going to be when I myself get the surgery too in the future. Even tho I'm not doing it rn, I'm extremely scared so idk if biding would be better and then top surgery or just go with the top surgery and no binding so what's the best choice for I can do it in the future: Binding first then top surgery or jump into top surgery with no binding?

[@CelesteM]

Advantages of binding first: you can go ahead and experience a flat chest now without waiting till you have top surgery. If you're unsure about top surgery, it could give you a better idea how you feel about it. Disadvantages: it's not very comfortable (though different people tolerate it differently). You also need to make sure you're doing it correctly so you don't cause any harm (use an actual binder that fits properly and not ACE bandages, etc.; try to limit the number of hours you're in the binder each day). Binding regularly over a long period (years) can also have an effect on the shape of your tissue even without damaging it, so just something to keep in mind if you're unsure about what you might want in the future. I can't really give advice on what you specifically should or shouldn't do, but as long as you do it properly and thoughtfully, binding is usually relatively harmless so you could always give it a try and see how you feel.

[@sebivey6676]

im 6 days post op, should have watched this before (for packing lol)

[@jamesmildenberger]

This video is awesome!

[@jonaisapunkrocker8489]

I HAVE TOP SURGERY IN 12 DAYS

[@lxcky21]

For the hair part, do you think it would have been possible to go to a hair stylist? Like is going for a haircut while recovering possible? You could get your hair gently washed this way and have an excuse to get out of the house and do something refreshing...

[@CelesteM]

Sure, you could! It'd just be an extra expense and effort but it could be a pleasant outing if you like that. You'd just have to be careful getting in and out of the chair and adjusting yourself in it when they lean you back as you won't be able to put the usual amount of your weight on your arms as you're used to.

[@everycolourinthesky]

I haven’t watched the second part but. I’m getting top surgery in a week, and I’m terrified of the immediate days after mostly bc I don’t want my caretaker to clean after me when going to the bathroom. Is that going to be a thing? Is there any tips for that? Help 😩

[@CelesteM]

I didn't need help with that personally! My caretaker (my mom) did help me do like a sponge bath every day, but I was able to clean my own personal areas by myself both then and after going to the bathroom. This can vary from person to person from what I've heard, but I wouldn't stress about it too much!

[@everycolourinthesky]

Celeste M thank you so much for answering!!

[@theviewfromthesummit]

Im just watching this with wishful thinking. I don't think i can ever come out to my family because they don't believe nonbinary is a thing.

[@alexzandercastillo8053]

Are you NB masc leaning

[@CelesteM]

Slightly masc neutral-ish 😊

[@dianavarnot9501]

Hey Celeste, do they provide the Hibiclens for you or is that something to look into purchasing prior?

[@CelesteM]

I had to buy mine. I got it on Amazon 😊

[@emh.1178]

Thank you this is so helpful! If I live alone and my family is... not supportive, is there a chance I can survive on my own when healing? Haha I'm nervous at all the help you needed😅

[@CelesteM]

I have heard of people doing it, but if there's any way you can get a friend or even hire someone to help you at least the first few days, I would definitely recommend that. I personally would not have been able to care for myself during that time.

[@liam_er]

it’s so much harder by yourself, yeah i would recommend a friend or someone to help

[@LoLLoL-ze9yb]

My native language is dutch and I would like to know what a “drain” “drane” is ?

[@CelesteM]

A surgical drain is a tube with a bulb at the end that is used to help the body get rid of excess fluid that collects after surgery (as part of the healing process). A difference in pressure makes the fluid go from the body through the tube and collect in the bulb gradually. Sometimes the fluid also needs to be moved through the tube manually (by pinching and pulling along the tube). I hope this makes sense!

[@irelandthehuman3173]

how long is your hair on the top/sides?

[@CelesteM]

Not sure about the top. I get the sides faded from around 1.5 at the top to 0 at the bottom but it's been a month since I got it cut.

[@elijah8018]

My surgery date is in less than a month. I'm so excited but so worried about pain. Was it manageable or should I be prepared to wanna die lol

[@CelesteM]

It differs so much between people I really can't say what it will be like for you, but for me it was definitely manageable!

[@morrison2955]

Hi, I've mine in less than a month and I'm freaking out about the general anesthesia... I make some bad dreams about it and im trying to help myself but dont really know how. Could you tell me if it was okay for you ? were you afraid or do u know ppl that are ? thanks for your vid by the way, i really didnt think about all that for post op

[@CelesteM]

It is definitely something a lot of people are anxious about! I've been under many times throughout my life so I have less fear about it than a lot of people, I suppose, but it's totally understandable to feel anxious. The good thing is that it's been used for a LONG time with many many people going under for all types of procedures, and problems are pretty rare. My experience is usually just that I'm awake and then I'm not, and then I wake up and it's over! It all happens very fast.

[@anonymoususer8046]

You’re fuckin awesome bro!!!!!

[@sleepy_royal]

How much pain usually happens, at least for you, in the first weeks? I'm very pain sensitive (Sensory Integration Disorder is a bitch) and a bit worried.

[@CelesteM]

It can certainly vary from person to person so it's hard to say how it will be for you, but for me the pain wasn't horrible. I was achy and would sometimes get sharp pains, but it was more discomfort than anything else. The first week, the hardest part for me was the compression bandage, and if you have sensory issues that might suck for you too. The good news is the first couple weeks really go by pretty fast, and before you know it you're feeling more and more back to normal!

[@itsjustalex7290]

Hey, I have a top surgery consult January 4th! Is there any specific questions I should ask?

[@CelesteM]

Basically anything you think you would want to know ahead of time! Whether that's the process/timeline of how things go, if they use drains, rate of complications and what they might be, revision policy, etc. Remember that you are evaluating them and deciding whether to trust them with your body. So it's perfectly OK for you ask anything that will help you make that decision.

[@brei1138]

Hey buddy how much would it cost to do this? Thx so much ❤️

[@CelesteM]

Do you mean how much does surgery cost? That can vary a lot by surgeon but is usually somewhere between $5,000-10,000 out of pocket (may be less with insurance).

[@NERUNERUNERIUM]

I'm....scared

[@rebeccagay5191]

Are you on T?

[@CelesteM]

I am now but wasn't at the time of my surgery.

[@sliceofinfo9547]

How did you make the blue pillow??

[@CelesteM]

I basically just used the dimensions here: previvingandthriving.com/mastectomy-must-haves/ and added the pocket after seeing that on another pillow someone was selling on Etsy.

[@dl-iy8jf]

why nt pay nurse

[@arcangelmaaze7804]

The explanation in the beginning is cute. You really just want to help, huh?

[@0verth1nker60]

??