Question:
Help me find a supportive garmet!

Ok pals, I bet this question hasn't ever been asked here before. I had WLS just over two years ago and am at goal weight. 7 months ago I had double mastectomy with reconstruction. I hate the reconstructed breasts (the plastic surgeon did a GREAT job!). I had a TRAM flap reconstruction which uses the abdominus rectus (sp?) muscle to create the new breasts and whatever size the muscle is - that's what size breasts you get. Let's just say I had a HUGE muscle because I woke up with Dolly Parton's breasts. Anyway, the breasts have now been reduced to a believable size (36D) but they're still too big and I hate them. With all that being said here's my question.....Thanks to the WLS and gravity I have some flabby skin under my arms that I believe used to be part of my breasts. When I put on a bra, however, it seems to push this flab sort of up and behind me so that when I look at my back in a mirror I have on a cute size medium blouse with the flab bulging out the top of the back of my bra and it looks awful! I wear a bra/girdle all in one because I hate the jigglies so I like the "bound up" feeling. What I'm wondering is this......Is there some type of bra or garmet that is almost more like a shirt in that it goes up high in the back and is wider across the shoulders and under the arms? I've tried sports bras and this flab still just squishes out above the back and under my arms. It's not enough flab to have it surgically removed but it sure keeps me from wearing form fitting tops and I've waited 20 years to be small enough to wear them! Anyone got any ideas where I could find such a garmet or maybe even a place that custom makes undergarmets? Sorry for the goofy question but I bet I'm not the only one with this problem! Happy New Year!    — ronascott (posted on December 30, 2002)

December 30, 2002
You are not the only one with the problem. Try Lane Bryant catalog or online, they have a big selection of supportive bras with big back supports, my personal favorite is Exquisite Form Fully. The long line bras give great back support but the rubber is limited, so they don't make you sweat, especially in the summer. I can't wait till I can wear a regular bra, not longline.
   — Dana S.

December 31, 2002
I used to wear one of those "posture" bras that offer full coverage on the sides and back, mostly up top by the shoulders. they are wider and higher across the back than sports bras. I haven't seen them in longline, but from what you said, i'm not sure if you'd need the extra support below the ribcage anyway? it would be worth looking for one though. I think you can buy these from Roamans or Lane Bryant catalogs. I hope this helps. Good luck. :)
   — maurer_power

January 3, 2003
Try JcPenny's catalog online. They are there. I just bought some this past summer. (2002) Good luck. Julie
   — Julie H.

February 28, 2003
Look for the goddest bra. You can find them at plus size stores and fine department stores.
   — S. V.