another question about the "swelly belly band" and big tummy

Hi everyone

I'm going to have a TAH on 12/14, with a horizontal incision. To quote another hystersister, I'm "fluffy" and have a hangover tummy (i.e. extra roll of fat) and suspect the incision may be under the roll.

So, I have a couple of questions:
--can you use the "swelly belly band" if you have a hangover tummy?

--is it difficult to keep the incision clean, dry, and comfortable, or whatever you should do to keep the incision in good condition when you have a hangover tummy?

Wish this surgery would also take care of all the extra weight I carry around. Maybe being on a somewhat simplified diet afterwards --and not wanting to walk to the fridge to snack--will help. I asked my doctor if she could remove some of the fat while she was "in there" and she said no--too dangerous. Hmmm. That surprised me. Insurance wouldn't pay, in any case, I suspect.

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving Day. I spent too much time bying Christmas presents, knowing I had to do it early! And it started to snow a little tonight. Winter is here.


take care
kirinphoebe

I had my TAH/BSO on Nov 17th and I, too have a hangover tummy and had a horizontal incision. Yes, the incision is below the tummy roll. It's important to keep the incision line clean and dry so that you don't develop a yeast infection. While I was in the hospital, a nurse suggested tucking a peri pad right into the roll to keep the incision dry. When my surgeon came in the next morning, she approved.

Now that I'm home, I'm using up my supply of extra thin maxi pads for this purpose. I fold it in half lengthwise, so the sticky side is totally enclosed. I'm left with a thin, soft cottony pad that I tuck right up to the incision. My tummy roll holds it in place. My incision line has stayed dry and is healing well. The pad is a little extra cushioning as well.

Another tip I learned on this forum from another fluffy lady is to use a hairdyer on low to dry under the tummy roll after my shower. I pat dry with a towel first and then use the hairdryer. When all is dry, I tuck in one of my maxi pads and it works great.

Best of luck to you!