Will waistbands ever cease to be uncomfortable?! :(

Today is six weeks since my surgery, and I'm feeling pretty good overall. I had an exploratory laparoscopy and a TAH on July 14th. Interestingly, it's the belly button area that has remained really tender and sore, not the abdominal incision. (Although I haven't had any issues like I've heard about some others having, such as oozing or redness.)

But, I'm still unable to wear anything with a waistband for more than three or four hours without major discomfort. I've been living in loose smock-type dresses with no waistband for the last six weeks. (I found four really fun such dresses--the best investment ever!)

Today was my first full day back at work, and by 2:00 in the afternoon, I seriously wanted to take off my underwear and go commando for the rest of the day! I end up with a major indentation in my abdomen at the end of each day from them. Pants are completely out of the question right now, and I'm worried because it won't be summer forever! When will it get better??

Montana_chick,

I know what you mean about the belly button! It took me several months. I actually found that unbuttoning my top button during the day (while sitting at my desk) helped. Especially in the afternoon when my tummy seemed to expand more. I also noticed the rise of the pants made a huge difference. The good news, I am 2 years post op and cannot remember the last time it was an issue. So at least for me, it got better. Seriously though, it didnt take a few years. Just a few months. Hang in there!

Montana chick, im 3 months almost 4 post op and I know what you mean! It didnt start to feel ok for me until about 2- 2 1/2 months post op. I had to wear underwear that were bigger and put the waistband high up over my belly button or the pain would be too much. It will get better soon but in the mean time if your able to wear your under wear like that it helps. It feels funny a little silly but it really works. Bea

My swell belly lasted 5 months. All of a sudden it was just gone. Hopefully yours will be gone soon.

im 8 weeks post tah and I still cant do jeans very often .. I wore dresses for the first 4 weeks and then loose pj pants I am still mostly wearing knit shorts or pj type yoga pants and when ever im home they come right off .. I have worn my jeans about 3 times only very loose ones and not for long periods .. I hope it wont last much longer