Question:
If we're losing weight, why does thepressure from my waistband feel tighter than ever

Im 4 weeks post op and Im active. Sometimes when Im just sitting watching tv or using the computer, I realize that my elastic waistband on my shorts feels really tight and confining. To relive this, I'll pull down my shorts so that the elastic is below my gut. This happens almost every day... does anyone else experience this or something similar?    — Valerie H. (posted on August 5, 2002)

August 5, 2002
Well with me... as my weight dropped, it seemed as if the fat dropped in my gut. Almost as if gravity pulled it down. Instead of carring the fat high in my stomach it was now all hanging low. Don't know if this makes sence. I know the fat goes off in different places for us at the time of it's chosing. So perhaps that is why it is tight. And I know the ladies say that certain times of the month cause bloating. I'm assuming this is all the time with you. I know at times I can't lose weight... and even gain it, yet my clothes are getting bigger. I still scratch my head over the mystery of the way we lose weight.
   — Danmark

August 5, 2002
Thats me after eating a little bit too much. I just ignore such minor things now, being a year out. Oddly enough my surgeon handled out some suggestions at a support group meeting and the paper had lots of ideas to help prevent weight regain. Wearing tight fitting clothes around tummy hips was on the list.
   — bob-haller

August 5, 2002
Valerie: I know EXACTLY what you mean! I am just about 5 weeks post-op myself and can totally relate. In fact, I have one pair of shorts that is quite high-waisted and I now prefer to wear them over all my regular "favorite style" shorts because they don't rub against my tummy and they feel like they are "holding things in." However, no matter what I'm wearing (sometimes even just my nighty and undies) I still find myself yanking things down to let my tummy "breathe." Another thing that helped...this past week I went out and bought new undies one size smaller and in the hi-cut style. Much more comfy than my granny style briefs that were getting quite baggy and yet the elastic bothered me. You are not alone! Good Luck - Anna
   — Anna L.

August 5, 2002
Valerie: I know EXACTLY what you mean! I am just about 5 weeks post-op myself and can totally relate. In fact, I have one pair of shorts that is quite high-waisted and I now prefer to wear them over all my "regular" shorts because they don't rub against my tummy and they feel like they are "holding things in." However, no matter what I'm wearing (sometimes even just my nighty and undies) I still find myself yanking things down to let my tummy "breathe." Another thing that helped...this past weekend I went out and bought new undies one size smaller and in the hi-cut style. Much more comfy than my granny style briefs that were getting quite baggy and yet the elastic bothered me. You are not alone! Good Luck - Anna
   — Anna L.

August 6, 2002
I can relate...I am 7 weeks post op and have trouble with pants and shorts. By the end of the day I feel I have "swelled in that area where my pouch is. Pretty uncomfortable but I am getting used to it and still losing inches there(Who knows) So i'll unzip wiggle up or down whatever needs to be done. : ) Good luck
   — Adriane T.

August 7, 2002
I have to get rid of the elastic!Lots of my pants have the traditional fat lady elastic, and even after 35 pound weight loss the ones that are "too big" hurt at the waist.It just applies too much pressure constantly to the area under it. I find that with regular waists, I can at least unbutton for a while. I know people who have had other types of abdominal surgery that have the same complaint. When we sit our waist expands and adds more pressure to the elastic and hurts! maybe when we get thin it will be better. Or at least we won't wear elastic waists!
   — Ellen H.

August 8, 2002
I am over a year out and STILL can't stand a tight waistband. I try to buy stuff that is a little looser in the waist or that is soft and stretchy in the waist. I also tend to bloat when I eat (why???) and I usually have to unbutton like Bob said after eating. I just look at it as a quirk of mine and try to buy clothes accordingly.
   — ctyst