https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:04:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes/page/2#post-2219372 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:11:06 +0000 Grace 2219372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in cancer treatment and pull out 3/4 sleeve shirts every time I go to the doctor, so that it's easy for them to access my arm for blood draws.&nbsp; 3/4 sleeved clothes might be helpful for follow up appointments.</p> <p>Sending good vibes to you and your sister and wishing her the best.&nbsp; If she has to have chemotherapy infusions through a port at any point (I hope not!), there are wonderful shirts on the market that have strategic zippers (so the nurses can access your port without feeling like you are disrobing).&nbsp; Oncology nurses love these shirts because it allows them to keep the field where they are working more sterile.&nbsp; Searching on "chemo port shirts" turns up a lot of them on Amazon.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes/page/2#post-2219359 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:46:31 +0000 Anonymous 2219359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my! Closest thing I can think of is DD with his post surgery bag Seconding maternity wear, and definitely loose dresses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes/page/2#post-2219321 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:55 +0000 Sloper 2219321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An idea for comfy house socks with treads:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gripjoy.com/collections/womens-grip-socks/products/slipper-socks-with-grips-for-women-x4-pairs">https://www.gripjoy.com/collec.....r-women-x4</a></p> <p>They also have non-fuzzy socks (i.e. flat knit), crew and low-ankle length.</p> <p>I wear them and love them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes/page/2#post-2219302 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 18:36:13 +0000 delurked 2219302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you think about where the drain is connected (to your body!!) then you need to make sure it does not get pulled out. Think if you were laying and the dress went askew and it was in an outer pocket or fell from a pocket to the ground or something. She will need to make sure the drain(s) don't get pulled. And IMO, that means keeping them near the body and protected. Putting something else in a pocket of the garment doesn't seem like an issue to me depending on where the drain is located.</p> <p>And yes, I get being sensitive about sizing. But you can explain to her that it's not about her size, it's about getting something larger than her size if that's what's going to give enough clearance for her needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219270 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:50:35 +0000 BrieN 2219270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lands End has some dresses in their serious sweats line that seem very cozy. French Terry material so super soft interior. I am only seeing end of season sale items but they may fill in more as the season changes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219267 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:41:34 +0000 LAR101 2219267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just bring that darn robe to the hospital! … speaking from experience. …. Ughh ;)<br /> I’m sure you’ll plan her hospital capsule as you would a trip and not forget. </p> <p>Ps: The clothing requirements for maternity and nursing new mothers seem very similar to what’s wanted here. The cotton knit or denim dresses with buttons or snaps down the front were the best. And that robe!! Ughh!!</p> <p>Wishing your sister and family all the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219260 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:54:05 +0000 rachylou 2219260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things fall out of those side pockets. Once, my insulin pump fell out of my pocket while I was riding the BART subway, standing by the doors. The pump was the device plus a long bit of tubing. Anways… the darn thing got caught in the doors. It was dangling on the outside of the train the whole way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219255 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:24:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2219255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurked, yea, I’m thinking ribbed camis to pin drains to, as suggested earlier. Do you mean side pockets would brush up against the drains inside the garment?<br /> What you’ve said about sizing &amp; needing room will be helpful in talking to her—I don’t want her to feel insulted if I get her a size too big, but think that pragmatically, too small is likely to be even more of a problem. So it helps to be ready with explanations if it’s too too big. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219239 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:13:16 +0000 delurked 2219239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To follow up on Madeline's comment. Patch pockets are an excellent idea, and would be helpful to hold her phone. Side pockets would be too precarious for drains, and even patch pockets are not ideal for drains except as a temporary place holder. Drains need to be babied and protected close to the body where they cannot do much shifting - hence something like a tank top that one would pin a drain/drains to. Something like this matches a lot of the criteria needed. Function first.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219235 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:07:39 +0000 madeline 2219235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point those of you made about drains. It would be handy to have large pockets in one of the items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219226 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:51:02 +0000 delurked 2219226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few more thoughts. </p> <p>This sounds like something she will be recovering from for months. She can't know exactly what she will prefer yet, so consider having just a couple items that work for her initially and then supplementing them after she knows further what her exact needs will be. With her being cusp sized, I do understand that she may prefer misses sizes over plus sizes, but you need to think oversized for the beginning. If she needs to put multiple drains under a dress or even needs to be attached to something like a wound vac, some of the more fitted styles above would be a complete no go to start with. That said, they could be something she moves toward as things progress. And as Sloper said, nothing too precious and make it easily washable. Maybe you can find a print she will like, but also know that what she needs is the right shape and function to help her get started. And most likely it's going to be more lounge wear than everyday wear. After that something that is more of a pick me up can be considered to transition into.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219225 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:36:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2219225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NancyW, good point about saving some for later. I’m already on the brink about giving her warmer things. From all the prospective timelines, I do think she will need them as she heals. But I don’t want to bring her down by pointing to how long it will take by giving her things now that are for next season. Maybe I should indeed just give her the eye mask now and be ready to go with the rest in a few weeks. </p> <p>Helena, i should find out if she has a good robe. She and I are so very different. I’d want a kimono to serve that purpose; she’s likely to find that far too flashy. Thanks for the idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219222 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:43:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2219222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple new ideas. I want to find her things that are comfortable enough that she can forget them, but that also let her have that cheerful little moment when she puts them on &amp; looks in the mirror. These have sleeves, pockets, and buttons down the front. I also think she’ll like Delurked’s finds. </p> <p>Her hair is kind of reddish brown and her eyes are very pale blue like mine, unless she’s wearing her bright blue contacts. I don’t think there is much difference between her chest and waist now, and swelling in her midsection may reduce that further. I have no experience dressing that shape. </p> <p>She loves shirt dresses, and I think she likes menswear patterns too. I’m not sure the waist on this will work. It looks straight on the model, but she has a very different build. <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/de/de/product/damen-kariertes-ausgestelltes-langaermliges-flanellkleid-444046.html?dwvar_444046_color=COL07&#038;dwvar_444046_size=SMA001&#038;cgid=IDw-dresses-jumpsuits&#038;hassubcat=false" rel="nofollow">https://www.uniqlo.com/de/de/p.....bcat=false</a></p> <p>I have no idea why these are called “hook” but they’re organic and long. <a href="https://levawear.de/shop-classic-2/accessories/72935/" rel="nofollow">https://levawear.de/shop-class.....ies/72935/</a></p> <p>This would need different socks, but I think the stripes are cheerful <a href="https://m-en.zalando.de/jdy-jdysinus-below-knee-shirt-dress-shirt-dress-kalamatacloud-dancer-jy121c0ng-m11.html" rel="nofollow">https://m-en.zalando.de/jdy-jd.....g-m11.html</a></p> <p>Im just starting on long cardis. My instinct is to go burgundy/blackberry/deep red but that doesn’t work with the plaid in the lands end dress very well. I’d like to give her a little capsule or at least a complete outfit.<br /> <a href="https://m-en.zalando.de/vero-moda-vmtamika-cardigan-winetasting-ve121i1fy-g11.html" rel="nofollow">https://m-en.zalando.de/vero-m.....y-g11.html</a>. If I could find a bright red cardi that matches the red in that dress, I could get those, the striped dress, and the charcoal socks. Doesn’t keep her feet warm with the striped dress, but a red cardi could work with it. I don’t think the red Lands End cardi is the right red. <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-cotton-modal-button-front-cardigan-sweater/id_355210?attributes=28676,29479,43307,43322,44077,44079,44256" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....4079,44256</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219220 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:38:17 +0000 Helena 2219220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, sending positive vibes to your sister; what an ordeal and I wish her healing and comfort.</p> <p>Thinking back to my mom's operations and chemos, might you add a cozy housecoat and a lightweight housecoat to the list ... As these are easy to open and close for wound or skin care and hygiene as needed, adaptable to changing temperature preferences, and just comforting. Also then if she does rather just not bother with real clothes some days, she can still feel somewhat together and presentable for visitors etc. My mom had one in a happy favourite color palette, and that helped too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219217 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:23:48 +0000 NancyW 2219217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope all goes as well as it can for your sister. It might be a boost to get new things as she heals and it might be that she will associate some items with this difficult period and might want to burn them later! For those reasons, perhaps get only a few easy, floaty dresses and nightgowns now and keep a list of links for some shopping along the journey. I have traded my slippers for slip on sneakers. I am currently wearing Ryka slip ons and have two identical pairs ready to go when I retire these next month. Falls can be life changing in all the worst ways. I am sure it is difficult for you to be so far away at this time </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219216 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:21:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2219216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Preppy Pear! Hoping for a quick recovery, but I think she needs to prepare for it to take longer. Not bringing her spirits down by telling her that, but short-sleeved Jersey knits that don’t reach her knees for Aug 30 surgery gave me second thoughts. </p> <p>Anchie, sorry to hear that about your mom. I’m sure it’s hard to be far from her and unable to be involved in her care. Wishing you &amp; your family the best. Thanks for your good wishes and the example of the need for caution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219203 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:27:49 +0000 anchie 2219203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear that. Wishing fast and successful recovery. My mom had a very similar surgery around Easter and she is still in nightgowns and slippers, recovering very slowly. Incision is huge, L shaped, but fortunately no colostomy bag. She was very weak for long time after the surgery - required help with basic things like dressing, showering, walking and toilet. Also, upgrades to toilet and bed were required.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;My advice is to stock up on nightgowns just in case she changes her mind about dressing after the surgery.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219201 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:04:05 +0000 Preppy Pear 2219201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m really sorry to hear about your sister. Nothing to add for advice, just wishes for a successful surgery and fast recovery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219197 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:26:22 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2219197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness—so many thoughtful and caring responses! Thank you all so much. </p> <p>Carol, it will be an actual incision, not laparoscopy. Apparently cancer cells like to hang out around belly buttons, so she won’t have one afterwards. Says that while she was dropping her daughter off at college, the kid interrupted the emotional farewell to pull up her shirt and poke her in the bellybutton, lol. </p> <p>Sal, slippers! I wonder if she’d like a second pair. </p> <p>Madeline, thanks for the specific picks.</p> <p>Angie, thank you for your suggestions and the good wishes. </p> <p>Delurked, your explanations of why specific items work—or not—are great. I do not know if there will be drains, should ask her. Slip-on shoes, not putting things on overhead…you make so many good points. The sizing is dicey. Our parents have been enthusiastic about my weight loss, and I think she feels pressured because of it. She is in those “cusp” sizes between plus and straight, so even picking out an item already comes with an emotional load because of its size range. Thanks for the finds as well. </p> <p>Sloper, I appreciate you sharing from your experience. She has joined a support group online. I think, from the way she told me about it, that it’s the first time she’s joined anything online beyond direct affiliation with, say, her kids’ school. About oozing goop &amp; non-precious clothes: she says she will wear the velours track suit jacket I got her for Christmas last year. I guess that makes her easy to shop for this year—just replace the jacket. </p> <p>Suz, yes, she will be at home. She is a SAHM with an empty nest. I think she’s making an effort to not collapse into PJs for the duration. I can’t think of a better time to collapse into PJs than during recovery from major surgery and chemo, but don’t want to argue with her. </p> <p>Rachylou, thanks for comments from your experience too. If she has a colostomy bag, it will apparently only be temporary—she’d only have it for the “at first” part you say is awkward. Thanks for pointing out Etsy for the specific needs post-op. </p> <p>Bijou, yes, things need to be comfy enough to doze off in, but she wants to look good enough for visitors to drop in. I think she is thinking that she will feel better if she looks better. (I disagree, but don’t think it’s my place to say that). </p> <p>Thanks again for all the good wishes, suggestions, and advice from your own experiences! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219172 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:25:07 +0000 Bijou 2219172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would be looking at loose dresses like Delurked has posted along with warm jackets or cardigans. A nice dressing gown may also be useful.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unfortunately this is major surgery and so your friend is going to take time to heal. She is likely to be fatigued and need to rest up during the day for a number of months post surgery - so loungewear that can do double duty as sleepwear may be useful.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219167 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:01:15 +0000 rachylou 2219167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had hernia surgery and wear a cgm like Joy and used to wear an insulin pump. I think a jumpsuit will be too hard. At least at first and if she does have a colostomy bag. Too fussy until you’ve lived with these things a good long while. I stuck with dresses (waistless t-shirt and sweater dresses) and thigh highs after the surgery. I wore jackets/blazers to rein in the shapelessness of the dresses. Also re colostomy bags and other gear—People on Etsy offer a lot of things that are helpful with worn medical gear. Oh and I found a cane useful after surgery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219137 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:33:22 +0000 Sloper 2219137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, and pardon for TMI - but speaking from own experience w/surgery and chemo (and everyone's mileage will certainly vary here) - clothes should be washable and not precious due to oozes and drips, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219134 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:54:41 +0000 delurked 2219134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We may have to agree to disagree about jumpsuits. I imagine that as very difficult for managing after surgery. I suspect access will be needed, and a jumpsuit makes it hard. If/When she's at a dr. office, the dr. office will need access to where her wounds are. A dress can expose more of her than she would want. That's where having buttons and a tank top/soft sports bra (can even cut off part of it if that helps) can help provide modesty. A large scarf or cardigan can help with coverage as well. So she can cover the rest of her as she chooses. </p> <p>Softness will be key. Layers could be important because I could see she may be hot at times, cold at other times.</p> <p>Search terms like patio dress, housedress and caftan are a good start.</p> <p>You will probably want to err on the side of a larger size to give enough space to looseness.</p> </p> <p>Finds are just a few examples. Some are admittedly more home only styles. I don't see an issue with that as I expect she will be home healing for some time. She will probably need one or two "going out" outfits, but the going out is usually just follow up to the dr. The neckline can be filled in with a ribbed cotton tank top if she chooses. J Jill also has some button front dresses, and they usually have a pretty loose fit through the middle. They also carry plus size if you think that's where she will get the most comfortable fit. Some shirtdress styles are loose without the optional self ties.&nbsp;</p> <p>ETA - she should make sure she has easy slip on shoes. Nothing that will require bending over of any kind. No zippers, no needing to pull on at the heel to get on. Something that slips on while sitting or standing. This is important to have something loose enough to get on easily but not so loose as to be unstable. I do not recommend mules or other shoes that could fall off the foot. Avoiding any trip hazards or falls is going to be important.</p> <p>Extra bonus points for having a grab bar installed in the bathroom before she gets home from the hospital.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219129 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:43:31 +0000 Suz 2219129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds challenging. My guess is she will want to stay at home for a while (if at all possible) and in recovery might be in loungewear and PJs pretty much exclusively. But after, the idea of soft knit midi dresses makes a lot of sense to me. That Max Mara dress that several forum members bought on the sale (or a slightly less expensive version, cough) would be the kind of thing she might enjoy if going to be out and about.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wishing your friend a successful operation and a speedy recovery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219128 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:42:34 +0000 Sloper 2219128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sympathy and empathy to your sister - I hope everything goes well and her recovery is safe. </p> <p>Given the extent of her surgery, I wonder if a jumpsuit is right - I'm visualizing having to climb in and out of it, and the bathroom gymnastics required, presuming she will have stitches and maybe drains.&nbsp; Also she may be very weak/wobbly for more than a few days as she metabolizes out the anesthesia (and deals with effects of chemo).&nbsp;</p> <p>So if she wants easy loose dresses - sounds right.&nbsp; Maybe legwarmers and cozy socks for her legs, cardigans for her shoulders?</p> <p>Capezio comes to mind for legwarmers (for dancers).<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.capezio.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=legwarmers">https://www.capezio.com/catalo.....legwarmers</a></p> <p>Or maybe button or snap front housedresses?<br />Vermont Country Store<br />National catalog (they do have a website)</p> <p>Also, for whatever condition she is being treated for, there are hopefully online support groups and/or forums where she can ask for post-surgery tips regarding dressing and body care. This helped me with a surgery (not like hers) and also with chemo effects. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219126 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:39:09 +0000 delurked 2219126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some things to consider:<br /> - Will there be drains? If so, it may be helpful to have a tank top to wear under the housedress style. Drains can then be pinned to the tank top<br /> - Consider a style that buttons all the way up. That way it can be easier to put on and off so that it doesn't need to go over the head.&nbsp;<br /> - Somewhere between knee to midi length. Maxi length is too long and can be a trip hazard. Shorter than knee is an issue with laying and getting up with modesty</p> <p>- Pants of any kind may be difficult if they can put pressure on healing wounds, plus may slow down getting to the bathroom. If she needs to go back and forth to doctors offices then she needs to consider how to manage public restrooms as well. Even loose jumpsuits can be a logistical issue as she tries to be as independent as possible in her healing journey.</p> <p>- Not too tight through the arms or too much constriction through the shoulder if she needs to lay down a lot. A soft cardigan (think barefoot dreams) and be comforting if she gets chilly. Loose enough that it can wrap around her almost blanket like.</p> <p>- Wireless adjustable bra. Some are made so that they can unclasp (as if to make racerback). Those can be handy because they can even be put on if attached to IVs.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219124 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:37:19 +0000 Angie 2219124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good suggestions. </p> <p>I had an acquaintance in a similar situation, and she wore very soft and fluid knitted dresses most of the time. Nothing constricting in the slightest. Buttons down the centre front are handy. Think sack and babydoll. With comfy socks and slip-on shoes. </p> <p>Very challenging and hard situation. Best wishes for strength, a successful operation, a period of fast healing, and lots of luck.<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219120 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:21:21 +0000 madeline 2219120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry hear about your friend.<br /> I agree with your suggestion on Uniqlo:<br /> WOMEN MERINO BLEND A-LINE LONG-SLEEVE DRESS</p> <p>WOMEN SMOOTH COTTON DOLMAN 3/4-SLEEVE DRESS</p> <p>WOMEN WAFFLE CREW NECK LONG-SLEEVE DRESS </p> <p>WOMEN RIBBED MATERNITY LEGGINGS<br /> These might be really comfy as they look soft.<br /> Best of luck to her. You’re a good friend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219119 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:17:40 +0000 Sal 2219119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As it gets cooler warm longer socks and slippers.&nbsp; If she is mostly home and has a good heating system that may be fine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My best wishes - it sounds a major operation and challenging time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-op-clothes#post-2219117 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:17:32 +0000 CarolS 2219117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh, dear -- that sounds like a real ordeal for your friend. How kind of you to help her prepare. My sister-in-law underwent a similar procedure many years ago, and it was pretty gruelling. (She had a very early mesothelioma diagnosis and the chemo wash saved her.)</p> <p>I would think fit or style preferences will take a bit of a back seat to comfort in the early days at least.&nbsp;</p> <p>Would she consider loose fit cotton knit midi dresses as apposed to dresses above the knee? Knit always seems warmer than woven in cotton, and then she could put a sweater overtop.</p> <p>IMO, jumpsuits seem like they might be fussy post surgery -- too much maneuvering to go to the bathroom. Dresses are simple.</p> <p>I wish I could send her the pants I'm wearing today. Light as a feather but fuzzy and cozy. The waistband is incredibly loose (no pressure at ALL), but it never feels like they're going to fall down. They are as ugly as sin but I love them desperately. :-)</p> <p>Her tolerance for a waistband may also depend on her incision (laporoscopic or down the middle of the abdomen).&nbsp;</p> <p>Sending positive thoughts. </p>