what girdles/tummy support

I would really like to know from all you ladies who have "been there" what you wore as far as a girdle and or tummy support?did that help with pain and more important "swelly belly"? I want to know what to buy and what to expect,I have just really started to take care of myself and do not want a gut!!! well more than I already have! The scar scares me to how bad is it? I am not married and still consider myself "hip" this has kinda changed my out look....on the other hand I can not live with all this PAIN!!!!!!!!!! It makes me crazy.

Hey wede10, welcome to hystersisters - it's a fabulous place.
The tummy support I use I purchased from AVON, it is shown in the brochure as a back support, but I think it works wonderfully.
It is called hot/cold pack with massager - I don't use the massager part, but it is completely removeable. And there is a little 'gel' pack that can be frozen, or heated. I personally, really need the support this 'belt' provides, especially when I am walking, and being busy!
Good luck!

Thanks! how far out from surgery are you? will I need help when I get home? Thanks for your input..I think this is a great place!

hi wede10 welcome to hyster sisters
I have not used anything for support. I found I could not stand anything on tummy period so I opted to not use it. To answer your question about the incision...Mine is horizontal and right on the bikini line right almost on pubic bone...right on hair line if that helps. I had staples and the scarring from that is showing minimal. I am five weeks post op. The swelly belly can be controlled with support if you can stand it...some have sworn by it if not stay off your feet...use a gel ice pack or use a heating pad it helps a lot.
I think you will be surprised about how it all will look. I am 45 and a bit of a scar is noting compared to the stuff I had to put up with for three years or better.
A to you and hang in there...Hope all goes smooth for you!
teresa
let us know how it goes

I`ve been wearing those little stretchy panties the nurse gave me(she gave me a few extra : ).They work kinda like a girdle just not SO tight.
Hope it helps.

I feel SOOOO much better with my abdominal binder. Kinda helps hold everything in and doesn't make you feel that "heavy stomach" feeling. I have a HUGE scar from the tummy tuck and found that it supported that nicely and actually protected it. I'm wearing something called a "waist nipper". Plus, i've had very little swelly belly and it also has allowed me to wear my jeans and what not because with the underwear and then the binder the incision is very protected from being rubbed and irritated. Also helped me when I slept because i'm a side sleeper and was sleeping on my side really quick (would have been sooner but the plastic surgeon didn't okay it for awhile).

If you log onto jcpenny.com, click on "women's", click on "lingerie" and then click on "shapewear". If you click "flexees" you'll see what a waist nipper looks like. they also have other shapers that you can check out.


Good luck.

Check out the HysterSister Belly Band in the HysterSister Store.

hi wede10,
I bought some tummy control panties from Target (Hanes, 2/$7) to wear when I went back to work or expected to be out and about all day. I found the "jiggling" inside to be uncomfortable but not painful without them. I've worn them weeks 4-6 so far when I went back to work; not sure when I'll be brave enough to go "girdle commando"!

I would recommend buying a size larger than you would normally (for me 2x! :cry to do a little accomodation of the swelly belly by the end of the day. Also, I had a horizontal incision. If you have a vertical, perhaps these won't be comfortable at all.

Keep thinking thin thoughts -- you may be lucky and not have swelly belly at all!

good luck!

TJ

ps: YMMV of course but I can't believe how much pain I was in before, and now it's gone!

Hi tj:
I so agree with you about the pain...the pain i was in before and it is almost gone with me now and I feel so good...still have that blasted. I might try to find some light support panties when I get back to work right now my money is tight as I have zero income and I am living off of savings...
a to you!
teresa
ps you are a week ahead of me I was five weeks post op yesterday

Hi Wede10 - welcome to HysterSisters!

I am two and a half weeks post-op - not much swelling, but like to use a "waist trimmer" that I got at Walmarts for about $5. It's a wrap-around, with velcro, and made out of neoprene. Very comfortable and adjustable, and supports both my tummy and my back.

Key is going to be following your doctor's instructions and staying off your feet as much as possible. I've had two c-sections and this final TAH, so I'm speaking from hard learned experience. Even though you'll start to feel better after a couple of weeks, don't do too much - it'll set you back!

Good Luck with your Surgery....keep posting to HysterSisters!

Di