Need help- concerned about swelling

I am two weeks out from a TT. I had my last drain removed today and my PS told me to start wearing spanx for the next 6 weeks 24/7. So I threw out my compression vest and have been
wearing my spanx. I feel very swollen since I took off the compression vest. Is this normal. I hope my stomach goes down. it is very hot and humid here this week. So can that add to my swelling? the PS told me I was swollen but it has gotten worse since I put on the spanx. The spanx are tight so I am not sure if this is normal. Any advice would be helpful! I am a little nervous.

 Yes unfortunately you can have swelling for up to 6+ months after surgery. I didn't have it too bad but my pants were definitely tighter after long days on my feet for quite a while. For me this lasted about 3 months. Your lymphatic system (which is like a railroad for transporting fluid in your body) was greatly disrupted during the TT and has to regenerate. This takes time. Heat will make swelling worse, yes, because it dilates blood vessels and that makes blood flow more into tissues, thus bringing more fluid in also. Watch your sodium intake!!! Don't be eating a lot of soup or other salty foods. Honestly, eating low-carb really helped me. Your body holds onto more water when you eat carbs. So try to stay away from the rice, potatoes, white bread, sweets, etc. I wore my compression binder for 5 weeks after my TT and switched to spanx for another month after that. I did not like going off the binder because my skin felt swollen, hot, and like it was all going to fall out- unsupported. But it is necessary at some point because otherwise your body will not learn to handle and transport fluids on its own, and you can develop more core weakness because you aren't using your abs as much when you rely on the binder. So weaning yourself off is in your best interest. Hang in there, it definitely gets better!!!

 also I forgot to mention that if your compression is TOO tight, it can actually make swelling worse, because it starts to cut off circulation and doesn't let your body move fluid past that area. If you notice that the garment is making your swelling a lot worse you should call your PS and explain this to them. They may have you purchase a slightly larger pair of spanx. 

Can you really rely on the size chart on the spanx package to getting the correct size?

Great question!!!! I bought spanx yesterday. I measured myself and according to their charts I should have bought a medium. I tried on a large and couldn't even get it over my hips. I ended up with an XL. Yikes!!! 

Wow, two sizes larger! Who would have thought glad you shared! Thanks!