XP: What I learned today!

I've been looking at my tummy when my garments are off. I've been really looking at the puffy skin between my breasts and my waist, wondering what the heck it's doing there. Just didn't seem like it should be still hanging out as everything seems to be adhering nicely between the skin and sub levels. I know that's why we wear compression so that the layers will bind to each other.

This morning I starting thinking WTF?? Here's what I came up with. Dr. S put me in an XL lower garment because I've got big hips and tush (size 8-10 go figure), but I measure a 28-29 waist (in it's new higher location) and my bra  is a 34. So not XL, right? Anyways, my garments have been getting more comfortable in the abdomen area and I was liking that until I realized it might not be to my benefit. I've heard of people tucking things in there so last night I slept with a washcloth folded and tucked into that area of my binder. Woke up feeling ok but not convinced it was going to take care of that uneven healing going on there. Not sure I'll ever wear a two piece swim suit but I'd love the option.

The last time I tried on this flexee camisole I near threw my back out trying to get it off. That said, it won't have that hurdle of big breasts to get over this time. So I got brave and pulled on that flexee, hoping that it would work. Whala!! I have restriction back.

I wish I had thought of this two weeks ago. I hope that everything adheres nice an tight. I guess I'll be wearing these flexee camisoles for awhile. BTW, if you have a Costco, they come in a two pack for a much cheaper price than the $38 Macy's asks for it. I think it was 2 for $15 or $20 at Costco.

I have my favorite new garment. With my binder on top it should do the trick. When the binder comes off in a week, I'll keep wearing it. I may have to call one of you to come get me out of it when I shower. :)

Not sure why surgeons (and staff) always seem to think we know what to do with followup, but they all seem to be that way. Years ago, when I first got implants, they sent me home in a surgical bra. When I went back to see the surgeon to have my stitches out, he said "You did not have to keep wearing this bra all this time." Pretty much made me feel totally stupid, and I guess I probably was, but it seems like they could at least type up a list of things that they've seen go wrong over the years to avoid future patients from going through it.

Glad you seem to have found a solution. I know a lot of the girls on other websites use those types of things after they get out of their surgical binders. Looks like they make a style to cover most anything...

http://www.spanx.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3010022

 I'm so grateful to have OH to learn from all of you!

I am happy that you are feeling better about your compression. Today, I put one binder on the upper abs and one on the lower. I put a wash cloth on the drain opening that has completely healed yet.

I find now that I have to wrap my binders tighter..

More pressure the better I find..

Michelle

That's very good news Lee. You had considerably more surgery than me(LBL & Mini Med. Thigh) I'm 1 day surgery wise ahead of you. On Friday 1-13 I had a follow up w/ my PS. He said I could take baths, workout, do whatever I wanted. He didn't say anything about compression, I caught him in the hallway and he said I didn't need compression but the more the better, boy that was not very definitive for a barefoot okie like myself. I still have probably an inch of ab. swelling but nothing like before. I've got some extra skin at the end of both crescent cuts distally. He said when he see's me in 3 months he would snip both in his office and suture using local ink. for numbing. Man this has really moved quickly. It sounds like your activities and healing are going great. I have been practicing your positive confessions in the mirror to myself and I believe it is a very powerful tool. Our thoughts becme words, are words become actions, actions become habits, and habits become character, and character is everything. Thanks for the encouragement.

Steve

 Oh Steve, I know this is a bit of a tough time for you.  If I've said anything at all that is helpful, that makes me really happy.  Keep up those positive thoughts.  It appears that you already have great character, but affirming it never hurts!

Thats so strange that your surgeon said you don't need compression.  From what I understand, it's critical to have the upper layers of skin adhere to the new layers down below.  I had lipo in my thighs and want everything nice and firm when I get unwrapped.

Im glad he's going to snip your pesty sides and make you look all pretty.  :)

 Michelle, that's so funny that you used a washcloth last night too!

Great minds, eh?

Oh... I remember that happening too!  My binder was feeling comfy - so I went and bought some flexees too - think I got mine from Kohls.

Glad you figured it out! 

 Well Jody, if you did it, then I know I'm on track babeeee! ::)

 Lee check Marshalls or Ross. I got the bathing suit type flexees for 20 bucks there and that sucker is TIGHT. Also they have the tanks for around 8 bucks!