Recommend a post-surgical bra and other clothing questions

[ChicagoMom]

Hi

Just wondering if any women bought a bra specifically for after surgery. I'd like one that opens in the front and is easy to put on. I was still nuring 7 years ago so I think I just used a non-underwire nursing bra, but needed help putting it on. I can't remember if it worked out or not. All my current bras are underwire.

Also - for clothes I was just thinking sweat pants, a zip-up hoody, slip on gym shoes for leaving the hospital. I remember having trouble with a regular sweater last time. What did you wear?

Thanks

 

[Paleowoman]

I didn't wear a bra and I can't imagine wearing one as I'm sure it would hurt that area ! (but I did not need support, depends if you need support). I took in very loose fitting trousers (put on lots of water weight post surgery so I'm glad I did) and tops that button up and zip-up hoody….yes slip on shoes, though I had to wear slippers as my feet were so swollen with fluid…but either way, slip ons. (I lost all that fluid a few days after discharge - all the pain meds were stopping me lose the surgery fluid and then I was badly underweight and thin)

 

[maisiejane]

Hi

Just wondering if any women bought a bra specifically for after surgery. I'd like one that opens in the front and is easy to put on. I was still nuring 7 years ago so I think I just used a non-underwire nursing bra, but needed help putting it on. I can't remember if it worked out or not. All my current bras are underwire.

Also - for clothes I was just thinking sweat pants, a zip-up hoody, slip on gym shoes for leaving the hospital. I remember having trouble with a regular sweater last time. What did you wear?

Thanks

Hi, well done with your surgery and may I wish you a speedy recovery.
Regarding wearing a bra I bought 2 medium support sports bras I bought 1 in my usual size and 1 a cup bigger due to extra fluid, there isn't much support with them but it does help with the strain against your incision.
Good luck
Deb

 

[Anya]

Hello ChicagoMom,
I haven't had my own surgery yet, so congrats on yours - hope recovery is going well.
On one site I checked out recently they recommend:

Female patients should wear a soft elastic bra (no under wire, usually a size larger around is more comfortable - we recommend the Playtex Eighteen Hour Posture Bra) 24 hours a day for the first six weeks following surgery. This is to prevent the weight of the breast from pulling on the incision and sternum, which decreases the scarring and places less weight on the sternum.

I think I'll be getting one of those and will probably wear loose pants (like sweats) and something that buttons up the front.

 

[ChicagoMom]

Thanks ladies. I'm not actually post surgery yet (2 more weeks). I just posted here since I wanted to know what to wear post surgery.

 

[Duffey]

I didn't wear a bra. A friend recommended a camisole which I did wear about 10 days out. I wore a loose, button up shirt until then.

 

[ski girl]

I went commando but then the weight of my breasts was nver going to be an issue. And you'll be able to tie your shoes, just bring your foot closer to your hands by placing it on the other knee, like cross-legged. I wore large t-shirts, no issues getting them on as long as I went slowly, and exercise pants.

In this way I did NOT look like a heart patient and that was important for my mental well-being! (Plus easier to escape the ward for a bit of a break outside, heheh.)

 

[MrsBray]

I came out of surgery with a surgical bra on. I didn't take it off until I got home & took my shower, after which I put it right back on. It wasn't firm support, but mostly to keep the girls from moving around. After the bra stretched out too much to be of service, I started wearing tight tank tops. 4 weeks later, I'm most comfortable in a medium-support sport bra, and uncomfortable in my usual, traditional underwire. Sometimes I need help taking the bra off at night, as I can't always get enough leverage to lift over my head.