My 1st week, I'll be on strained liquids any color, particles cause infections. After 7 days particles in liquids is OK unless incision is open.
Week 1 though end of week 6 I will have full time elastic wear, and I'll start changing elastics after my 2nd post-op visit after surgery. I will then change elastics twice a day and do jaw exercises for 15 minutes with elastics out twice a day, replacing elastics. The elastics will be on nights only after the completion of the 6th-8th week.
Very short walks the week after surgery are mandatory. I can start light exercise (light weights, easy bike riding, golf, long walks, easy jogs) at 5 weeks post op. Hot tubs are to be avoided for 6 weeks. Avoid clenching with exercise for 10 weeks (disrupts healing of bones). No underwater swimming for 8 weeks, contact sports can be resumed 16 weeks post-op. Freestyle swimming is to be avoided for 6 months (exaggerated jaw movements associated with freestyle breathing can cause bite relapse). Snorkels and musical instruments – avoid prolonged biting on the front teeth for 12 months; these activities can cause relapse of the bite. Protective helmets (i.e. motorcycle) which puts pressure on the chin may cause lower jaw relapse for 12 months.
It mentions that hooks/screw(s) prevent jaws from relapsing, and are removed at 10-16 weeks. I am sure this does not refer to the rigid fixation screws, but possibly some microscrews used as anchorage devices. I guess this means I could have my surgical hooks in up to 4 months
For mouth care, I am to soak mouth in salt water (1 tsp per 8 oz water) 8 times per day. I should add peroxide to water for 2 of the 8 rinses (3 parts water to 1 part peroxide). Add mouthwash to water if desired. No vigorous mouth swishing, will open incisions. No toothbrushing until surgeon gives OK, usually at 2nd appointment post-op. Start modified toothbrushing when given the OK at 2nd appointment, do not brush lower back teeth which may open lower incision. Start normal brushing at day 21, include lower back teeth, Waterpik OK to use at day 21 and thereafter.
Another thing I saw in the materials that I thought was interesting is that he says pregnancy should be avoided for 12 months postsurgery because hormones associated with pregnancy can cause joint changes leading to relapse of lower jaw advancements. This was the first time I had seen hormonal changes as the reason to delay pregnancy.
Weight loss he mentions 10-15 lbs. There is a lot more information in the packet of information which I won’t outline here, but I tried to post the most interesting tidbits. My OS actually had BSSO last November for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, so I wonder if the completeness of his post-op instructions happened before or after his own experience with it. My dentist did tell me that he significantly changed his post-op protocol after his own surgery. The last time I saw my OS was before his surgery so it will be interesting to see him at my pre-op appointment.
Sorry for the long post! I just thought it might be interesting for some, although I know that every OS has their own opinion and theory regarding post operative care.
Stephanie
