Support Clothing

Do I dare say girdle in public??

After just reading page after page of hoots about trashed panties and granny panties, I guess girdle is OK! I'm going to run with that idea, TRASH my granny panties and go visit Victoria Secret real soon. Great idea!

I've also read a ton of messages saying that it is possible that I'm going to have swelly belly at least late in the day for some time to come, especially when I go back to work. I'm starting to imagine walking around work with one arm wrapped around my enormous swelly belly to hold it up every afternoon. Not a pretty picture. In my gosipy company, there would be e-mails to San Fran that I was expecting!

I am trying to do a little bit of exercising to hopefully help get past swelly belly as fast as possible, but from some stuff I've read, maybe that just makes it worse! What do you think of getting a little belly support thing to put on when the swelling starts? Good idea or wrong approach?

Right at first I don't think you'd be very comfortable using a tummy support. By the time you are allowed to go back to work however, you might be able to use one fairly easy. It will depend partly on your surgery, but I'd say it would work. I've used them once I was about 2 months post op. Had to get dressed up and the tummy was just there. They aren't as comfy as my sweats, but then again what is. Wait and see until you are ready to go back to work, then if one is needed, try to find one with the least support that will work for you. That way you aren't over-pressing on your tummy. Take care!

Hi Linda,

In addition to what Nancy has said, I want to agree that exercising will not help true swelly-belly this soon. When you walk more on an injured ankle, it will swell. Your healing, tender tissues are reacting the same way, and will retain fluid to protect themselves from your activity. That's exactly why swelly-belly can be worse at night as the weeks go by.

Resting OFF your feet takes the pressure off those tender, inflamed tissues, and can help swelly-belly subside. Walking in moderation will be good for you, but it's too early to target those abs in a strenuous way. You can safely tone those ab muscles by simply holding your tummy in for awhile, and then releasing it. You can do this anytime, anywhere!

My very best to you...

I got a few pairs of light support panties by Haines Her Way. I used them when I went for my 3 week check up and anytime I was going to have to be out of the house after that. At home I wore "regulars".

It's a good idea to wait to do any strenuous abdominal exercises til your DR says it's ok.

This is a link to some gentle exercises:
http://www.hystersisters.com/exercises.php

You may also want to check out the Hysteritaville Safari Resort and Fitness Center located here at Hystersisters for more great advice!

Ok--this is gonna sound kinda weird..
I went to our local Target, and tried on every support panties and girdles there were. they all made me feel like a sausage and I couldn't breathe ( I wear a size 5 and the LARGE girdles were too confining!)

As I was passing by the activewear section, I noticed biking shorts made out of spandex. I tried the medium (one size larger than normal) and they have been great for my walks. They wash out and dry really easily. You could wear them under your pants when you are out. SHortly after my surgery, I had to attend a "must be there" birthday party for an 85 year old friend. I wore the biking pants under a knitted skirt and got through the day.

Hope this helps...

Bye!

I am just a lil over 2 weeks post op, and I wear a support girdle if I have to go out. I feel better wearing it out, I feel it gives me some stomach support. I started wearing one 1st day post op. I got one a size larger than I was advised to get, I didn't want anything too tight on me. I feel like it helps me, but then again... perhaps it is in my mind.

Hi There!

I agree with the gals here who have given some great advice! Exercising the abs won't make the swelling go down at this point, it would increase swelling, more than likely.

Whatever binder/clothing is comfortable is what I would go with. I find a girdle to also be too confining, and pantyhose did the job for me. The bike shorts feel nice, too! I don't think there's any harm in wearing what makes you feel the most comfortable.... I'm thinking the more binding though, the swellier you might find yourself by the time you have the opportunity to remove it, and the less comfy you may find it to me as the day wears on.

Best wishes and HUGS,

Wow! Bike shorts! What a great idea. I even have a pair or two of them to try. Wish I'd ready this yesterday; had to go to a fancy dinner last night; I dressed casual - stretch and loose everything, and I sat drinking club soda during social hour. Even so, by desert swelly belly was reaching under the table and I wanted to crawl out of there.

The address for the exercises was exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you, thank you. Prior to surgery I was doing 50 to 150 sit ups a day (and push ups, dips, and leg raises). I had no clew how to start small or easy. And my doctor is a terrific surgeon, but sports medicine isn't her line. I've tried the list, slowly using just one or two reps each, and all is well; it felt good to be working something again. Thank you, thank you.

Girdle!! -- LadyBB you're showing your age! (Just kidding -- I started many, many years ago wearing stockings with a girdle. Pantyhose had not been invented yet.)

I too bought a "light support panty" for post-surgery. It still pushes too much on my swelly belly. My problem is that I started back to work (1/2 time last week, full-time tomorrow) and wearing pantyhose was a big problem. I ended up going and buying pregnancy pantyhose in the biggest size that would not fall off of me! Talk about taking one big psychological step backward!!!!

Anyway, I figure I just have to listen to my body and do what works for me. Things will get better soon.