OMG...The binder is making me insane...

Hi-

I had complete TT and medial thigh lift on 8/23 and healing is going really well.  I've been back to work for 10 days already and resumed most activity except for cardio vascular exercise. YAY!

Last week my PS said you don't have to wear the girdle any more you can switch to 24x7 (except for bathing) Spanx. I thought this would be a huge bonus because I could get several pairs and not have to do laundry every day.  Lo and behold the Spanx are even tighter than the girdle and despite what the packaging says they do roll down at the top.  This big roll of fabric sits right on my new belly button which is super itchy.   Plus, the bathroom situation is dicey as it claims to have a flap but does not really work for me.

How much longer do I have to wear this thing?  I cannot remember if he said 4 or 6 weeks.  He also said I could wear bike shorts which I am going to try tomorrow since I can work from home.  Does any one have any tips for making it better?  I know it short lived discomfort but it feels interminable right now.

Thanks for your thoughts....

Beth

 I was told after the first six weeks I could go with out unless I was swelling a lot. I haven't had a lot of swelling so I have enjoyed leaving it behind. Maybe you could try a smaller length ,something just the size of a regular panty. Everything I try is too high waisted because I am short and once it hits the ribs here comes the roll.

I totally understand!  Spanx does have a few types though, like you could try the high power panties or the slimplisity.  Or go try some different brands on at the department store.  Its a challenge to find one that fits well.  I have to size up in spanx besides the camis

I think trying a larger size is a good idea.  i just went with the height/weight chart on the back of the package but I think a larger size might be more tolerable.  The bike shorts are not working as they were tight pre-surgery but are not tight enough now although it's all a trade off because it feels good to not be smashed in one regard but the muscles and incisions hurt worse.  I now thing the tight garments are to divert the source of discomfort!

Thanks!

Hey, let me know if the bike shorts thing works.  I have so many pairs and it would be great it I could wear those just around the house.  I know the chamios would look weird under clothes in public but just around the house would be cool.

I had a pair of bike shorts that were super tight pre surgery but do not seem to be tight enough now with 7#s of skin gone.  As I wrote above I'm now convinced that the super tight binder is a diversion from the real source of the pain...I guess I just suck it up for another three weeks and look forward to my period being over which is adding to the unpleasantness :)

I went to Kohls and bought the kind that was still a 1 piece - with straps up over the shoulders.  You may want to think about that - definitely helps with the "rolling" part.