Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hey Ladies!

I have not been around much lately, but it looks like everyone is doing great! Congratulations on your continued success! I am personally feeling pretty well for the most part. I am still dealing with my chronic pain issues, which are exacerbated by my reignited flame (the gym, lol). But I am having an issue and wondering if anyone else has had and can share advice?

I am having bra issues. Some of it is just the typical stuff that everyone is going through with trying to find new bras...figuring out what is the right size now...adequate support...and of course comfort, without spending a small fortune - especially considering the size could change again (I have refrained from buying so far with the exception of a couple sports bras and a couple wire-free comfort bras).

The real problem I am having is that Every Single Bra I wear compresses on my diaphragm area - which I guess they typically do - but it is really uncomfortable (often seriously painful) since the surgery. The pain seems to be worse in the center, so I don't know if it is pressing on the area at the top of the sleeve and it's still just sensitive (6 1/2 months out though...), but I am serious when I say it gets bad.

I have always been an underwire girl. At my highest weight I wore a 48DD. I'm down around a 38DD/40D right now (hard for me to find that perfect fit), so you would think there would be LESS pressure now than ever! Especially since my stomach is smaller too! But it doesn't matter if I am wearing underwire, or a firmer/non-underwire sports bra, or even these stretchy super-comfy no-seams no-wires leisure bras (back closure), I still end up with the pain, especially toward the evening/after dinner, when I often need to unhook my bra or even take it off.

I'm sure many of you can relate when I say that going braless is not the most comfortable feeling right now - my boobs are not tiny but they are definitely hanging lower! And since a lift or any other kind of reconstruction is probably not in my future, I really need to get this figured out. (My husband offered to walk behind me all day holding them up, haha - I mentioned scaffold, lol).

Any ideas on what the pain is, how to avoid/eliminate, and good bras/good places to get, are much appreciated!

Thank you :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Ladies!
I have not been around much lately, but it looks like everyone is doing great! Congratulations on your continued success! I am personally feeling pretty well for the most part. I am still dealing with my chronic pain issues, which are exacerbated by my reignited flame (the gym, lol). But I am having an issue and wondering if anyone else has had and can share advice?
I am having bra issues. Some of it is just the typical stuff that everyone is going through with trying to find new bras...figuring out what is the right size now...adequate support...and of course comfort, without spending a small fortune - especially considering the size could change again (I have refrained from buying so far with the exception of a couple sports bras and a couple wire-free comfort bras).
The real problem I am having is that Every Single Bra I wear compresses on my diaphragm area - which I guess they typically do - but it is really uncomfortable (often seriously painful) since the surgery. The pain seems to be worse in the center, so I don't know if it is pressing on the area at the top of the sleeve and it's still just sensitive (6 1/2 months out though...), but I am serious when I say it gets bad.
I have always been an underwire girl. At my highest weight I wore a 48DD. I'm down around a 38DD/40D right now (hard for me to find that perfect fit), so you would think there would be LESS pressure now than ever! Especially since my stomach is smaller too! But it doesn't matter if I am wearing underwire, or a firmer/non-underwire sports bra, or even these stretchy super-comfy no-seams no-wires leisure bras (back closure), I still end up with the pain, especially toward the evening/after dinner, when I often need to unhook my bra or even take it off.
I'm sure many of you can relate when I say that going braless is not the most comfortable feeling right now - my boobs are not tiny but they are definitely hanging lower! And since a lift or any other kind of reconstruction is probably not in my future, I really need to get this figured out. (My husband offered to walk behind me all day holding them up, haha - I mentioned scaffold, lol).
Any ideas on what the pain is, how to avoid/eliminate, and good bras/good places to get, are much appreciated!
Thank you [emoji4]
You need to be professionally fitted, not by a 20 yr old in Lane Bryant (forgive them they know not what they do) but an old Lingerie shop owner from the old world , you get my point... I believe you are in an incorrect band size, no reason your under wire should be on your diaphragm, it should sit up significantly higher. I was once in a 44 H now a 36 DDD, 38DDD, 38DD or 40DD depending on the bra type and manufacturer. There's a lot of variation.

VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wish I could offer advice. I still haven't found a good bra since I've lost weight. Last month, I went to Lane Bryant who fitted me as a DDD, which is what I was before surgery, I about died laughing at her. My boobs have DRASTICALLY gone down. I think Lane Bryant has some serious vanity sizing in their bra department. I wear a 38D at Walmart.... and I'm not hanging out in the slightest.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For me, the most comfortable bras right now are some underwire camisole ones that are considered Shapewear but I wear them all the time. They tuck in to your panties and create a smoother line and there is no pressure around the band or fat roll below the band. Maidenform, Spanx and others make these but I usually find them at stores like Ross and SteinMart or on eBay. A little hard to get into (step in and PULLLLL up) but once on they are quite comfortable and eliminate the muffin top phenomenon with pants or jeans.

52679614-5304-451c-9343-658bb166e205_1.2
I have a couple of these right here that I love called Slim Cognito from Spanx. I did a quick search and apparently you can get them online from WalMart….who knew??

Edited by MIZ60

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, MIZ60 said:

For me, the most comfortable bras right now are some underwire camisole ones that are considered Shapewear but I wear them all the time. They tuck in to your panties and create a smoother line and there is no pressure around the band or fat roll below the band. Maidenform, Spanx and others make these but I usually find them at stores like Ross and SteinMart or on eBay. A little hard to get into (step in and PULLLLL up) but once on they are quite comfortable and eliminate the muffin top phenomenon with pants or jeans.

52679614-5304-451c-9343-658bb166e205_1.2
I have a couple of these right here that I love called Slim Cognito from Spanx. I did a quick search and apparently you can get them online from WalMart….who knew??

I can't tell from the picture, is this a full body shaper? or just the camisole?

I buy all my shapers from Walmart, I buy the Cupid brand. I mostly wear briefs though. They wash really well!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, AshAsh1 said:

I can't tell from the picture, is this a full body shaper? or just the camisole?

I buy all my shapers from Walmart, I buy the Cupid brand. I mostly wear briefs though. They wash really well!

Just the camisole.....snap crotch stuff gives me flashbacks to bodysuits I wore in high school or kids' onesies:D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, MIZ60 said:

Just the camisole.....snap crotch stuff gives me flashbacks to bodysuits I wore in high school or kids' onesies:D

I only have one that is full body and I reserve it for outfits that I need that extra squeeze. Do you feel like the camisoles roll up? that would be my only fear.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tuck them into my regular panties if I am wearing jeans or capris. If I am wearing dress pants, skirts or dresses (work) I pair them with a pair of Shapewear bike short that end a little above the knee. Everything stays put and easier to go to the bathroom. I do have a couple of shapewear slips and full body suits that I only wear with my fancy dresses on a cruise or other vacation since they are not as comfortable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love my Spanx cami bra, Kohls has neen out of stock for it for awhile now, good to know Walmart has them online, thanks!

Ah geez - get my hopes up - just looked ' out of stock' 'or no longer making' - was what I got on websites.

Edited by Sosewsue61

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, MIZ60 said:

I have a couple of these right here that I love called Slim Cognito from Spanx. I did a quick search and apparently you can get them online from WalMart….who knew??

These look nice, thank you. I will definitely look into them. Huh, I guess options are opening up at Walmart? !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Sosewsue61 said:

Ah geez - get my hopes up - just looked ' out of stock' 'or no longer making' - was what I got on websites.

Dang it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Tealael said:

You need to be professionally fitted, not by a 20 yr old in Lane Bryant (forgive them they know not what they do) but an old Lingerie shop owner from the old world , you get my point...

I've actually had that done years ago. The size they recommended was uncomfortable to me. I understand the "science" behind it, so to speak, but measuring under the crease of the bust (36" for me right now) always ends up with a # for band width that feels much too constricting. Then I measure around the fullest part and counting up one cup letter for each inch - (4 1/2-5" for me right now) takes me to a 36D-DD, but the 38DD or 40D (dep on manufacturer, as you mentioned) seem to fit better.

As for the underwire being near my diaphragm...the underside crease of my breast is about an inch above the center of my diaphragm. Since all the bras I wear right now are causing the pain, it's not necessarily the underwire causing it but definitely the pressure from the bottom of the bras - which always hits just above that area, especially when sitting. I'm sure the weight of the girls themselves isn't helping, but even my best bras can't seem to alleviate the problem. And while my stomach isn't exactly flat yet, it's much closer than it used to be.

I've felt discomfort from bras before, but never right in this spot repeatedly and to the point of having to take my bra off before bedtime because it is so uncomfortable. I just thought maybe others had experienced this as well. It has to be surgery related because as I type this I'm realizing how close this all is to the top center incision line. Maybe coincidence, maybe not...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've actually had that done years ago. The size they recommended was uncomfortable to me. I understand the "science" behind it, so to speak, but measuring under the crease of the bust (36" for me right now) always ends up with a # for band width that feels much too constricting. Then I measure around the fullest part and counting up one cup letter for each inch - (4 1/2-5" for me right now) takes me to a 36D-DD, but the 38DD or 40D (dep on manufacturer, as you mentioned) seem to fit better.
As for the underwire being near my diaphragm...the underside crease of my breast is about an inch above the center of my diaphragm. Since all the bras I wear right now are causing the pain, it's not necessarily the underwire causing it but definitely the pressure from the bottom of the bras - which always hits just above that area, especially when sitting. I'm sure the weight of the girls themselves isn't helping, but even my best bras can't seem to alleviate the problem. And while my stomach isn't exactly flat yet, it's much closer than it used to be.
I've felt discomfort from bras before, but never right in this spot repeatedly and to the point of having to take my bra off before bedtime because it is so uncomfortable. I just thought maybe others had experienced this as well. It has to be surgery related because as I type this I'm realizing how close this all is to the top center incision line. Maybe coincidence, maybe not...
I have also experienced this type of discomfort until I was in the right bra, you may just have to try on a lot different of types until it feels right again, but don't count out another fitting...

VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×