I am having surgery done on Sept 8, 2009 and I am not ready.

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#1 Post by **Jvivek** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:13 am

Hello,

I have had braces for 6 months before my orthodontist recommended me for surgery, he changed his plan for me as he said we are not going anywhere with the braces till I get the surgery, he mentioned that it would be 6 months before I get surgery date. But luckily I got the phone call from the surgeon office three days mentioning they have a opening due to someone else canceling at the last minute, so I took them up on the offer for the surgery three weeks later. I started researching and made a list of things to buy

I ordered the zip n squeeze on Aug 18, 2009 they still haven't arrived and now i am bummed out a little. there is no response from email and the phone numbers on their site doesn't work. I ordered everything from zip n squeeze, these guys have really disappointed me to say the least.

I am unable to find aquaphor locally, so I placed the order online yesterday after breaking down. I gave up going from pharmacy to pharmacy and ordered the following online:

1 x Quest L-Glutamine - - 90 capsules - 500 mg
1 x Swiss Natural Sources Bromelain Pineapple Enzyme
1 x Boiron Arnica Gel - Homeopathic Medicine
1 x Aquaphor Original Ointment

Since Monday is a holiday in Canada, I am hoping to get it this week, I bough some Aveeno lip balm for now. not much I can do. should I buy Vaseline instead?

I am having Lower Jaw for sure and possibly Genioplasty, I will find out the day of the surgery. I dont know how much my jaw is going to advance neither I know about the chin.

Also lot of guys here suggested moist heat, what is moist heat? I bought some chemical pads and another thing to microwave for heat. also any alternatives to Jaw bra. Hopefully the hospital will have something to ice for first two days

sorry for all the questions

#2 Post by **OzzysMom** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:30 pm

Hi, I just wanted to wish you the best on your surgery!

FWIW-I know that zip n squeeze are popular but I did not use them and everything was fine. Some people say not to use a straw but I used straws and baby spoons.

As for the aquaphor-I believe it is petroleum based so I chose not to use it. I bought Burt's bees instead as it works better for me. I've found that petroleum based products only made my lips drier so I won't use them.

The hospital should give you a jaw bra to take home. Mine was on when I awoke from surgery.

#3 Post by **2bpositive** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:36 pm

Hi,

There have been problems Zip n Squeeze with look under the thread about 5 pages back Zip N Squeeze Cool-Wrap Jaw Bra - new, ... to buy it? . Try www.cooljaw.com or Dinner through a straw.

The hospital will put an ice wrap on you might not be as comforable as a Gel Jaw bra. Some hospitals will give you a Gel Jaw bra - mine did.

I think Vaseline is just as good if you can't find Aquaphor. I did see Aquaphor Ointment at the Kaiser pharmacy over the counter and Target.

I did not use moist heat, what I did do after the few days of using ice was get a hand towel under hot water and when it was ok to touch put it around my chin and checks.

The Arnica Gel really works well.

Good Luck!

#4 Post by **eveningninja** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 4:31 pm

I honestly don't see what the big deal is about zip n squeez and this and that and all the other items people bring with them to surgery. All I brought was myself and a change of clothing for the following day and I was fine. Drank (slowly) out of a cup without any problems.

#5 Post by **Skitters** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:03 pm

My biggest life saver was having a mirror handy. My entire face was numb so I used a mirror every time I ate/drank anything so I made sure I was getting it in my mouth, and to wipe up all the drool from my chin. One that sits up on the table by itself is ideal. Good luck with everything...you'll do just fine!

#6 Post by **Tribal** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:34 am

Not everyone gets a jaw bra (or similar) from the hospital. Not sure what part of Canada you're in, but I'm over in Nova Scotia. What I found instead of the jaw bra (since the one that I ordered and paid for is MIA) was a polar fleece wrap with gel insert at Pharmasave. Ended up getting two of these so we could keep constant heat/cool on there. Can't remember the brand name, but I think it was with the ankle/wrist splints and such (I didn't buy it myself).

Hope the surgery went well!

#7 Post by **changes09** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:33 am

Its sept. 8th You are in surgery! Lets us know how it went!

Tue Sep 08, 2009 12:45 pm

I just wanted to wish you the best for your surgery! I'm having my surgery (upper jaw) done tomorrow and like you, I was waiting on zip n squeeze stuff to arrive before hand. I'd love to hear how you're doing post op!

#9 Post by **teylix** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:28 pm

wish you luck.

i didnt have zip n squeeze stuff and i was fine. it's going to be a PITA no matter which way you slice it for the first days-- zip n squeeze or not.

although i wasnt wired shut but i imagine if i were, then zip n squeeze wouldve been awesome.

i had a (bloody) jaw bra when waking up and a spare one to take home with me. dont see why they wouldnt provide you with one.