Question:
What is a girdle? How do I pick one?

I am scheduled for a full abdominoplasty on Monday and the surgeon said I need to go out and buy a good girdle. I asked for more details, but I don't understand what she means. I've seen them online where they look like a bodysuit, some go down the thighs, some include bras. I just don't know what I need. Can someone help? Thanks!    — Yolanda J. (posted on January 21, 2005)

January 21, 2005
A girdle is a support garment. I am rather short, and tried a variety of styles after I had my abdominoplasty. I got a few that were just like full briefs but fairly tight. What I ultimately found most comfortable - for me - were the type with a high waist - they had a section above the waist that hooked together. A real nuisance when you had to go to the bathroom, but the support really felt good. The ones with a regualr waist tended to roll down because the waist was just a little too high, but not high enough! I was very lucky that my PS didn't want me to wear anything restrictive for the first couple of weeks after surgery! I was pretty darned sore and even a pair of my big ol' panties was about all I could stand. But, every surgeon is different, and some put a binder on you right after surgery and you have to wear it 24/7! You won't need one with a bra. You can always try on one or two with the longer legs and see how they feel. My upper thighs were swollen after surgery, so I don't think I would have liked that. Plus it was August!
   — koogy

January 24, 2005
The kind I got from Walmart was around $9.94. It has hooks at the crotch so you don't have to take the entire garment off to use the bathroom.
   — juvpd

January 25, 2005
I just had a lower body lift and the PS recommend a pressure garment. I went on-line and ordered it. I don't have the infor with me because I'm at work. You may want to contact a PS and they will give you a contact.
   — Linda R.

January 26, 2005
Just wanted to clarify. My ps gave me a binder to wear for the first several weeks. It wrapped around and closed with velcro. He approved a panty girdle 5 to 6 weeeks out. I am still wearing it at 2.5 moths post op.
   — juvpd