Hi I'm just getting all the questions out of the way before my lap! After surgery what kind of things are best to wear? I'm due to go to a family Christmas thing 4 days after my surgery, would I be able to wear jeans by then or would you suggest leggings etc?
Thankyou for the help in advance x
Written by
katymarie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I had my lap a week and a half ago now, and personally believe that wearing jeans and baggy trousers are more comfy- at least for the first week or so, but this may depend on the person.
It really depends on your surgery and how complex it is. Your belly may still be a bit swollen 4 days after. I lived in pyjama onesies and when I started venturing outside playsuits, or loose tops with leggings. X
Leggings / Pjs. and very big knickers too!! they were so big they came up and over my hips and above my belly button but it was good / more comfortable to not have anything pressing or rubbing on the wounds.
Good luck for your lap and hope you have a speedy recovery x x
The second time I had surgery for Endo I also had investigative surgery for my bladder and kidneys (unrelated) so I was very sensitive to any pressure on my tummy for a couple of months. I went with loose fitting dresses, big knickers and tights where the band was way high up (couple of inches above belly button!) to avoid pressure on my tummy. Worked very well. Loose fitting night shirt for bed. Everyone is different tho and will depend exactly what they do so you may be fine with jeans/waist bands. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Xx
Both times I've had surgery my stomach has been blown up like a football... Yes the gas will go... You need to drink peppermint tea, suck on polos( anything mint will relieve the gas...
Clothing wise... I lived in lounge pants in the house and leggings and dresses outside the house... Make sure th hosp gives you more dressings..you will wanna shower and the dressings need to stay clean. Ask for more, failing hat asda/tesco do them over the counter for like 20p ish.
regarding the dressings.... superdrug does waterproof ones... I used these after my last lap and my mum used these after her shoulder op.... they really are great and stay on during a shower and keep the stitches dry...
Yes peppermint tea helped me too. The gas can cause pain right up to your shoulder blades. Unpleasant. Best thing that helped me was moving. Even if that was very gentle stretches in bed. It's hardly glam but the more you gently move around, the quicker it er, departs!
Hi there, I am 22 days post lap, I was signed off work for 3 weeks, during this time I wore size 18 Primark leggings and size 18 Primark knickers that come up to under my bra ! (I am normally a 12 on the bottom!) I went back to work part time yesterday and I am now wearing tights and wrap dresses. My tummy is still very swollen but I had quite alot removed, the massive knickers have been a life saver as I cannot bear anything rubbing my stitches. It's not pretty being post lap, but it sure is comfy. Best of luck xx
I know it's easy to worry, I felt the same. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I had alot more removed than they expected to find so I did feel pretty beaten up, but lots of pain killers, hot water bottles and PJ days made me comfortable. It's different for everyone and I had some removed from my bladder so that came with its own symptoms but all manageable . Just be prepared to go slowly and take things at your own pace xx
I am ok with needles, but have a phobia of being sick. I mentioned at pre op and to the anethitist on the day, they gave me extra anti sickness when I came round as I felt a bit icky and panicked. They were so good about it and I didn't actually get sick once, so I was happy! It was my single biggest worry before the op x
That has made me feel tons better! Because I also have a phobia of being sick and I thought I would sound silly going in and telling them that! Thankyou so much for that! I'm going to ask for numbing cream on my hand also! Xx
I felt exactly the same but everyone I mentioned it to at the hospital put me at ease. There are a few of us on here with the same phobia so you are not alone x
Thankfully (well not really, but you know what I mean) nausea is a symptom of my endo so I always carry anti-emetics with me... I will be telling the hospital about my phobia so that they can sort me out right away and if someone is unwell near me they can hopefully move me.... this is my biggest worry about the surgery to be honest.... Pain I can handle but being sick.... not so much!
I wore jeans after my surgery b/c that's what makes me feel comfortable emotionally, but not tight ones. I was still having significant pain 4 days after, so if you're going to a family thing not at your house you might want to bring along a heating pad, medication or whatever you're using for pain relief.
I have just invested in a pair of maternity leggings (I can't stand them being big everywhere (if you understand what I mean). I just wanted a bit of room for my expanded belly. I'm having my second lap on Friday. I already wear Maternity tights because I find regular tights cause untold problems and pain for me.
I have the leggings and a H&M jersey dress to come home from hospital in. I will probably need them for a few weeks after too. I already have my Christmas outfit sorted, a long jumper and leggings (Maternity if need be).
I have plenty of Jammies ready for loafing around the house in... also a few nightshirts for the first few days post surgery.
also - think about your footwear... it has to be something easy to put on becuse you will need help and trust me you don't want to be having to push or pull any more than neccessary... shoes that can be loosened right off for you to easily slip your foot in and someone else do up for you... I didn't think of that after my last surgery and it was agony forcing my foot into long boots!!! HELL ON EARTH!!!! this time i'll be wearing my converse - nice and easy to get my foot in...
I forgot to mention underwear.... I wore my regular keks... mini ones... they are very low cut so don't go anywhere near the op sites. don't forget to take sanitary pads with you to hospital because the one they give you at the hospital is HUGE! you'll be much more comfy with your usual ones
Thankyou! When is yours again? I'm just going to double check with my docs for the sickness worry!? What do you say to them? I feel a bit embarrassed saying I'm scared of being sick!! Xx
My lap is on Friday.... don't be embarrassed... they come across it all of the time! :)... I normally just bring it up when talking to 1) the nurse/s 2) the consultant and 3) the anaesthetist... I normally say "oh FYI... I'm emetiphobic (they'll like that you use the correct term) so please can I have a good anti-emetic post surgery"... that should do it
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.