Question:
Those of us post-op know where that scar starts...I need a bra.

I am having the worst pain by the end of the day from my bra rubbing the incision. I have tried padding it, and had the padding fall out from under my shirt. I know I am not small enough for a sports bra, and we do not even want to discuss going bra-less. By the time I get home I am in so much discomfort I need pain medicine. Any suggestions, even a type of bra to try would be very helpful. Thanks. I am also struggling with panty hose but that's getting better with the weight loss. Thanks...Trina    — Courtrina Amur W. (posted on September 23, 2000)

September 23, 2000
Trina-- I don't know what size bra you are needing, but I found that the most comfortable bra is Victoria's Secret Second Skin Satin line. I know they have up to a 40D on that line. They support you very well and have a very classy & even sexy look to them. They bring you breasts back up to where they belong and the center piece doesn't dig into the incision site. The straps are wide at the top so there is no shoulder pain. Again they are very lovely and comfy bras. They are under wire too, but believe me if they weren't comfortable I would NOT be wearing them. They are sold for 2 for $40 in most of there stores or $28 each. Go try one on and you will know what I mean. No I don't work for Victoria's Secret nor do I own stock !! LOL!! Trust me they are great. Good luck!
   — Pam S.

September 23, 2000
A friend of mine told me to use pantyliners. The sticky side goes against the bra and the soft side on your skin. It won't slip out since it is stuck to your bra. Was the only thing that worked for me. Wasn't perfect but did help.
   — Denise K.

September 23, 2000
Hi, I know what you are talking about. I had the same problem. What I did to help me is; I bought some big patch band-aids and used them on the top of the incision. That will stop all the irritation. Buy to brand name band-aids. This will allow you to shower without the band-aid coming off. After a while it will get better. Take the band aid off at night or when ever you can be in the house and don't have to wear a bra, you want to make sure your incision can get air as much as possible. It worked for me, good luck!
   — Carrol M.

September 23, 2000
I buy the underwires at Lane Bryant. They have never interfered with my incision, because the underwires bring the bra up to an inverted 'V' over it. They are about 2 for $45. I just had to buy some smaller ones...sigh.
   — Allie B.

September 24, 2000
THAT AREA in my incision is the only part that has stayed very red and tender. I wear a FRONT HOOKED stretchy bra that I can hook only as much as feels comfortable. At first, I was only comfortable hooking 2 or 3 hook/eyes. I know that the stretchy type does not give the support that is needed but it is "ok" for a little while til the incision heals. You can buy them through Lane Bryant or Roaman Catalogues. They are only about 10.00 each. I bought 3 at once (on sale) for 20.00. I will not use any other kind til the top of my incision feels much better. I also notice that when I get an uncomfortable feeling near my pouch, that loosening the hooks part way helps lessen that kind of discomfort, also. You can tuck the unhooked part up under the cups so that the metal won't irritate you. Make sure that area of the incision gets air when possible so it will help w/ healing.
   — kathy S.