Need your help lovely people!

[cosmicboy]

So I am now officially booked in for a hysterectomy, not a total shock but at 42 I'm struggling in many respects Surgery is early Feb, I am not particularly glamorous but well groomed in a low key way, ifyswim? I want to ensure I am in tip top shape style and beauty wise as I know from others that I won't be feeling great physically or emotionally after surgery and want to ensure I feel as good about myself as possible! I would love your skin care recommendations? I have dry skin, a bit prone to a few spots and would love to look as dewy and sparkly as possible Comfy, soft hold up type pants? Any suggestions? I'm only 8 1/2 stone but presume this may change or at least I'm going to be very bloated or swollen around the middle?!
Any help gladly received!

[Gem124]

I really love Liz Earle for face stuff. It gets mixed reviews on here but my skin has honestly never been so good. Never need to wear foundation cos my skin looks so healthy. Pants wise do you mean underwear or lounge pants? Lounge pants wise I'd try next or m&s.

Hope your op goes well xx

[Gem124]

Also get a lovely nail varnish, I always feel better when I have pretty nails. Currently got Barry M babu blue gelly nails on with glitter. Not mature but very Happy looking!! Xx

[cosmicboy]

Yes I mean underwear, think pretty but soft and sturdy, if they exist?! What Liz Earle products would you recommend? Nails are a good idea, I've never had a manicure but have pretty good nails so thought I might treat myself to one just before my op!

[Tzibeleh]

The best thing I have found to keep my skin looking and feeling smooth and healthy is to use an in-shower moisturiser. And to my total astonishment, the best one I have tried is Superdrug's own-brand one!

[Gem124]

I use cleanse & polish, toner and then light moisturiser for day and normal one for night. My skin was dull with dull lump spots on my chin which got a little worse for a couple of weeks and then got amazing. You can get trial packs so you're not stuck with big bottles of you're not keen and could take it in to hospital with you.

m.lizearle.com/h5/hub?dl=true&id=/travel-and-try-me-kits

Definitely treat yourself to manicure, check with your consultant before you get a colour on though as you often have to remove it. Or get clear and a fab colour on your toes xx

[Gem124]

m.marksandspencer.com/mt/www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-light-control-cotton-rich-lace-high-leg-knickers/p/p21077680

[Gem124]

m.marksandspencer.com/mt/www.marksandspencer.com/light-tummy-control-lace-no-vpl-bandeau-knickers/p/p22334881

[MyrnaLoy]

Think soft and comforting for your clothes too. I had swelling for a good few months after my hysterectomy. I have a really soft cashmere cardigan that is big enough to wrap myself in, and I practically lived in it as it was so comforting. And sorry, but it's big pants time too! You'll be bleeding for a while, so nothing glamorous in the pants dept. - I had the huge M&S up-to-your-chin stylee and they were perfect.

Good plan to get your skin really hydrated before you go in, as hospitals just seem so drying somehow - think it must be the heat. Get some lovely hand cream too - something with a lovely smell that isn't going to make you feel sick.

I wasn't allowed coloured polish on either my fingers or toes so that's worth checking.

[cosmicboy]

Thanks so much for the links, so helpful I have googled too much and keep reading about swelling that doesn't go for up to a year and beyond! A few months sounds much easier to deal with.
I've had a quick look on the Liz Earle site and the starter pack looks great, might pop to john lewis and see if they have any foundation samples.
Thanks all!

[MyrnaLoy]

It's big swelling though, so don't buy pants in your normal size!

Another thing - a lovely skin-spritzer e.g. Laura Mercier Perfecting Water. Comforting, hydrating and refreshing.

Don't let Dr Google scare you - it was the best thing I ever did.

[cosmicboy]

Oh god, how big?!

[Ujjayi]

I haven't had a hysterectomy but have had abdominal surgery & I wore Maiden Form support knickers afterwards. 50s style, high waisted. About £5 a pair in TK Maxx. Very comfortable & supportive without that awful "overstuffed sausage" feeling. I suffered with terrible bloating & these worked wonders. They are also glam-ish if you can channel 40s/50s pin-up chic