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Help - clothes for post operation

37 replies

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 13:01

Hello All

Im shortly to have an abdominal operation with a recovery period of 6-8 weeks. For quite a bit of it I am going to need some clothes that are loose and don’t go against my scar ( which will be lower abdomen - slightly higher than a c section say).

I was thinking of getting a couple of dresses - as it’s summer and down south ideally looking for at least one that is cotton but not jersey. Obviously first week can wear nighties but I’m a single parent so am having to get someone in to help with childcare, plus from my experience of a similar op it makes me feel a bit better to get dressed after the first week.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m guessing empire or trapeze type would be best - I’m 5’2 though and although relatively busty have a petite frame so never really buy these kind of dresses as I just looked swamped in the material. Can’t be high necked.

I appreciate it probably sounds a bit ridiculous worrying about what I will look like - I’m kind of a bit depressed as this op is necessary because the previous op wasn’t carried out properly and I’m really dreading the isolation of the recovery period again ( I have no family help so it’s just me). I think I’m fixating on what to wear as a distraction! Will also hopefully be able to do some short walks and I know it will make me feel better if I look vaguely ok!

On that note I’m a summer colouring so generally avoid black. As mentioned quite narrow so ideally not loads of material can’t decide whether just to go cheap or try and find two nice things that I could maybe wear after ( perhaps even on beach holidays).

any suggestions of where to look much appreciated!

OP posts:
Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 14:59

Thanks @MuddlerInLaw - that last one does make me smile.

OP posts:
Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 15:00

Has also made me think short like that is probably the way to go actually

OP posts:
smoggycarol · 09/06/2023 15:08

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 15:30

😂

OP posts:
Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 15:44

I genuinely like the lobster one!

OP posts:
LIZS · 09/06/2023 15:53

Will you be able to raise your arms or reach to do zips . Maybe consider how easy the openings are or go for stretchy fabrics.

hexsnidgett · 09/06/2023 15:53

In your position I just went for size up, cheap, elasticated waist trousers.
There's not much point spending on things you wouldn't normally wear.
It sounds like you are more concerned about how it looks than me, so yes soft loose dresses could work too.
Most of all don't be too hard on yourself, take your painkillers, drink lots of non alcoholic drinks and get plenty of fibre.
Have you got something to occupy you? I bought an xbox game to lose myself in and didn't regret it.Smile

Divebar2021 · 09/06/2023 16:01

Hi when I was in Italy last year I bought a really simple linen dress that I’ve worn a lot in the hot weather. Simple v neck….loose but not too voluminous or long. Amazon has some similar looking styles but this John Lewis one might be better quality.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-v-neck-linen-dress/natural/p110077927?size=20&s_ppc=2dx92700071607142362_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwm4ukBhAuEiwA0zQxk4lGGmT7PBSBAsS746-E-uuTJ92YiZJ3CPw__wm16thhMk-3aCrmlRoCpE0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 16:01

Good point about zips.

@hexsnidgett - I’m a bit worried about the trouser fabric running even in next size up but perhaps it wouldn’t be a problem. My last op was during winter so I generally wore long night shorts and very loose pyjamas ( last op was myomectomy, this one is to repair a very large hernia that has developed they think partly because of the way the incision was made for myomectomy.). The scar they will reopen is sort of just where lots of trouser waistband sits - although perhaps I can find very high ones that are soft.

Am also thinking it might be hot and trousers might be a bit sweaty ( also peri
meno!)

OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 09/06/2023 16:02

Or this one from White Stuff

https://www.johnlewis.com/white-stuff-marianne-linen-dress-dark-navy/p109957574

BlueBlueCowWondering · 09/06/2023 16:03

Don't forget to factor in surgical stockings...
might be dirty white or a strong colour but can look weird either way.

After back surgery in the summer I could only wear soft stretchy leggings and a loose top for a few weeks because of the stockings

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 16:03

Oh that looks good @Divebar2021 - thanks

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/06/2023 16:07

I'm going through the same thing OP and have a dress from Seasalt which is empire line and a couple of T shirt dresses. Planning on nighties for the first week at least 🤣

BHRK · 09/06/2023 16:25

I’ve just tried this on and it’s huge, barely touches the muddle of the body even in a small size! Could then be worn once you’re better with a belt. It’s lovely fabric https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/purple-plisse-swing-midi-dress-351309#selection.color=2003

MuddlerInLaw · 09/06/2023 16:27

I’d definitely want to avoid anything with a waistband - they can feel so heavy if you’re the least bit fragile.

But there were a few dresses I didn’t link because they had fastenings at the back - another thing you won’t want if there’s no one else to help with them.

BHRK · 09/06/2023 16:28

I’ve just tried this on and it’s huge, barely touches the body even in a small size! Could then be worn ounce you’re better with a belt. It’s lovely fabric

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 16:38

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the suggestions.

@BlueBlueCowWondering - yes the lovely surgical stockings! Actually reminds me to buy some extra for when I come home

OP posts:
TinyBarista · 09/06/2023 16:56

I wore a lot of high waisted, gym leggings/yoga pants. Not tight but the lovely soft ones which just sit gently on the skin.
The one thing I hadn't considered was knickers, the waistband of mine sat right on the incision so had to dig out some different higher fit ones.

Dancingiraffes · 09/06/2023 17:10

@TinyBarista - the one thing I do have from last time is the big pants!

OP posts:
UndercoverCop · 09/06/2023 17:29

Oh and they come in petite

NancyJoan · 09/06/2023 17:31

Go for something that buttons down the front. Lifting your arms will be sore for a while.

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