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Originally posted by KyAmy

What most people forget to warn you about can be the worst part, postop blues. Many ladies are never alerted to this, nor are they given the means and know how to rectify the situation.

So I am going to give you some helpful tips to get around this part of your journey. It will be imperative to heal your mind, spirit, and soul.


First of all, take it easy. De-clutter your life and learn how to de-stress. Take breaks to be with you and goof off. Leave the TV, internet, and life in general behind by soaking in the tub, sitting outside and watching animals/children play, reconnect with old friends on the phone. These things are important as they give your mind and body a chance to catch up to each other. Listening to soothing music or pick up a book you have been meaning to read.

Also don't forget to take care of your body after your surgery. Staying healthy and fit will give an edge to facilitate in a speedy recovery. Avoid excess sugar, caffeine and alcohol. These things give you a rush that will create anxiety in your body. Alcohol is a depressant and will only aggravate the problem. Even though you are restricted in the exercise you can do, take walks and find ways to move your body however you can. Just getting out and about will be enough in the beginning. Call a girlfriend and go shopping. Even being outside and doing light gardening would be beneficial, as the sunlight will help immensely with your recovery. Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, this can trigger a dispirited mood and put you into a lethargic condition. Melatonin which is only produced in the dark lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish and tired. So being stuck in a dark room, would want to make you go to bed and sleep. This is the bodies' natural sleep inducing mechanism.

Rally your support network (friends, family, co-workers) and spend time with these people. Positive reinforcement is a must-have to heal quickly. Also, make sure you are getting some type of physical contact in your life. Hugs (make sure they are gentle, as you don't want to injure your new girls) can go a long way in improving your state of mind.

Take a stand. The only person that can truly improve you mentally IS you.

You are not going to heal over night. What with the medicines and trauma your body goes through receiving your new additions, there are going to be hurdles and emotional upheaval that you will go through no matter what. It will be necessary for you to have pep talks within your own brain. It will be necessary for you to look at the big picture and be realistic with how long it will take for your final results to emerge.

Teach yourself to visualize your end results and your body healing. When you find yourself dwelling on the negatives, get out and change your thought process. If you feel the need to withdraw into yourself, allow it. For every day you dedicate to you, dedicate one to having company. Never forget that your new girls are a treat for yourself. It's a reward. They will alter your life. Try to learn how to turn the entire experience into as much positive energy as you can.

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Originally posted by KyAmy

I find it insane that more doctors don't make women more aware of what the entire process could entail for them. Mine did, he was very adamant that you understood how long it really took. I love that man.

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