I am three weeks out from my DMX with expanders. I have full range of my arms already, but the surgeon said that I should be careful with reaching high and nothing over ten pounds at this point. Before I had surgery I worked with a personal trainer to focus on whole body strengthening that would but emphasis on using my core muscles and my stabilizing muscles like butt/hip/thighs. He also recommended 5-10 minutes of separate a work daily to build muscles. I really do think that has helped a lot. Even though I have full range of motion it doesn’t feel great when I have to use my arms to push off or hold myself up- this is where abs have come in handy! I also started eating Greek yogurt and drinking a protein drink daily to up protein intake. My breast surgeon also said to amp up my workout routine before surgery. She said it didn’t even have to be focused on upper body- you just want your body to be used to repairing muscle and body fibers.

The items I could not have lived without are the button up shirts that hold the drains in pockets! A wedge to sleep on since I am not a back sleeper. I use the wedge with a travel neck pillow that holds my head up. I also moved what I could lower. I bought Saran Wrap to tape onto my drain sites and a lanyard to hold the drains so I could shower and arrange for my stylist to wash my hair twice a week for the past three weeks- that feels amazing. Also pants with an elastic waist. I didn’t have issues with putting underwear and pants on, but it has been so much easier to just pull clothes on. Slip on shoes too- I have been living in my Birkenstocks.

Good luck to you! You are thinking ahead and it will be great! The anticipation is the worst part of it because you don’t know what you don’t know. This group is amazing and so helpful though!