Elastic Girdle Apparatis - ThinnerTimes

pebitpeb · 02-07-2008, 02:24 PM

Hi All,

I am on day 24 after the second abdominoplasty, the stitches were removed last Weds., however since Dec. 15 I have had to wear this tight elastic thing around my torso from chest area to pubic area, it is tight, uncomfortable, is drying my skin out and when I eat, sometimes it cause a stomache ache. Has anyone else gone through wearing something like this? I am scheduled to see my ps again next Weds. for followup and we sent a text message today hoping he would respond to my request to take it off at night, but we did not get a response this evening. In a way I like the elastic holder especially with having come apart after the first operation, so there is part of me that has fear to tear open again and knowing I am tight and secure helps that part of my thinking and fear. Wearing this is also causing circulation problems in my legs and feet and I am puffed up almost 24 hours a days from pubic area down. I exercise as much as allowed and because of my severe artheritis in my hip I am limited in how much I can walk. So now I am looking at next week and hoping I can take this elastic off me and start using some lotion to get my skin back and then on Feb. 26 I am having the hip replaced. I almost said I had had enough after the second plastic proceedure on Jan 14, as the thought of another operation(the 4th in 9 months) and staying in the hospital another week started looking very unpleasant to me, however I just want it all over as quickly as possible so I can move on to better days ahead and being able to move freely and start working on some real exercise for getting in a little better shape.
As always thanks for reading what I had to say.
Greeting from Italy.
Paul
pebitpeb

MiladyB · 02-07-2008, 08:51 PM

Yep, I wore a binder for 6 weeks. I actually prefered wearing it and felt better with it on. It's pretty common to have to wear one for awhile because it helps with the swelling.

michelleJC · 02-12-2008, 08:04 PM

My garment goes from under my breasts to my ankles. I had one just in the abdominal area but my legs and feet got so swollen it was dangerous. I would leave this on as long as you can stand it. I know what you mean about the dry skin. when I take my garment off, its like its snowing. tons of flakes of skin come off from everywhere. I guess its a small price to pay for looking good and being healthy after.

pebitpeb · 02-12-2008, 11:40 PM

Michelle, your are right, it is a small price to pay for feeling better and looking better and that I can say I do feel. Just saw the ps again yesterday, he took another liter of fluid out and advised that I can now wear the elastic brace loosely during the night for sleep, but to tighten up for the daytime. I can now use lotion everywhere except around the incission, which is good news and today I will attempt my first shower in almost 2 months, which I am looking forward to so much. I think showering and using some lotion will stop the snow storms and I can live with this panchera on another couple weeks until I have my hip surgery, then I must switch focus a little and get busy with rehabilitating after the surgery and prepare for exercise.
Thank for the response.
pebitpeb
Paul

ciny · 02-16-2008, 05:26 PM

I had to wear one for 6 weeks. If you don't your results will not be as good.
Now my mid section is flat. It was worth!!