Sort of OT: how long will I have to wear sweat pants after surgery?

Aziraphale

Hi all,

So, I'm scheduled for abdominal surgery in December to remove a pesky grapefruit-sized uterine fibroid. The surgeon tells me it's not unlike a cesarean section, both in terms of the actual surgery and recovery time. I'm a bit nervous as I've never had surgery before, but I must know fifty women who've had cesareans, and they're all fine -- so hopefully I will be too.

Here's my question for anyone who has had abdominal surgery that didn't involve a baby but did involve a bikini incision: how long before you could wear normal pants again? I don't know anyone who has had this type of surgery (myomectomy).

I would appreciate any insights. I think I'm dreading the months of stretchy pants as much as I'm dreading the actual surgery!

12 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from greeneyes

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

elisabeth, i have no idea, but i know this type of surgery is pretty common so i'm sure you'll get some good answers. and there's plenty of nice-looking elastic-waist pants out there besides grungy sweats!

it's hard to not get a little nervous, but think of how much better you'll feel without that fibroid!!!! take care, steph

12 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Steph. That's what's keeping me optimistic -- thoughts of how nice it will be not to feel like I've got a boulder lodged in my pelvis all the time!

12 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

honestly, you'll probably feel better after surgery than before. I would think at most until the incision heals (which is pretty darn quick)
My 4 surgeries did involve babies, but I left the hospital in jeans every time.

12 years ago

taylor

Veteran

I also have no idea...but my daughter had one of her babies by c-section and she was wearing jeans in a matter of a week or so:)
The very best of luck to you!

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I had emergency laproscopic appendectomy when my appendix burst and was in the hospital with a drain tube for 7 days. I want to say it was a month of tender time after that. We had a vacation booked for New Orleans Jazzfest the first weekend of May and my surgery was April 10. I made the trip but took it easy. I had 4 incisions, and honestly the big one that had the drain tube in it healed up better than the belly button one that was covered with bandages. The nurse was right when he said soap and water were the best way to care for the healing incisions.
Oh, and I don't know about uterine fibroid vs appendectomy but I was seriously bloated (like 3 inches larger waist) for a few weeks.

12 years ago

Banana

Active Member

I've had a myomectomy (and a c-section). I was back in regular pants after about 10 days or so. I hope you feel better after your surgery. I remember all too well the feeling of rocks in my abdomen!

12 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I cannot offer you any knowledge but wanted to wish good luck with the surgery!

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I'd say within 2 weeks you should feel up to wearing normal pants ... maybe softer normal pants, because pain is an individual sensation.

I remember having boob surgery and needing to go braless for about a week (I wore super baggy stuff and hoodies - sorry people around me who may have gone blind from this).

Good luck w/ the surgery

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I had major abdominal surgery and am pretty sure I was wearing regular clothes shortly after my stapes were removed and that was within two weeks of the operation.

Good luck. Try not to stress too much. Once you start recovering, it is very fast - much like the learning curve.

12 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

The incision isn't going to be anywhere near the waistband of your pants, so you should be back in your regular pants in no time at all!

Good luck with the surgery!

12 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

My DH had major abdominal surgery last spring--and it wasn't a c-section or a bikini cut, but rather a long vertical swooping to horizontal cut. He tried to go back to work after two weeks wearing his regular pants, but came home after a couple of hours not because of the incision, but because he had no energy. Hang in there--it won't take long.

12 years ago

greeneyes

Active Member

I've had two c-sections. I would say after 2-3 weeks I tried my jeans back on. I wore some loose ones because i was nervous. My jeans were a size too big for a while, but thats normal. It'll be ok. My advice, dont lean down to pick nothing up, i mean nothing! sit there and let everyone do it for u. I did too much with my second and didnt completely recover untill 11 weeks... Just take it easy.... very easy.. and the recovery time should come faster. good luck (:

12 years ago

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