those serious, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH foundation garments I see people on TV shows wearing PRIOR to getting their tummy tucks?

I'm at least a year out from being ready to schedule surgery and my pull-on girdles aren't struggling to do the job. Going to a smaller size only makes the fight to get into them harder, but it's like putting a cup of batter in a muffin tin -- the spill over ain't purty!

I need something MAJOR, even if I have to hire help getting it cinched!

Pam<----having "I just have to be 18 inches again, Mammy, I just have to!" rigors!

Check out www.makemeheal.com They have tons of that stuff.

I wear something like the Spanx but its made by Hanes and I found it in JC Penny's or Sears, Boscov's - one of those dept stores - the one I have that I LOVE goes from my knees to my bra and it feels like a heavy pair of panty hose. It doesn't feel like an actual girdle - and it doesn't have you poofy like the muffin. I think I paid around $20-$30 for it.

pre TT i swore by the industrial strength ones sold at the avenue. they have a few different ones. i dunno what the 'super strenght' ones are, but if you go and compare, you can definitely tell the difference. they are biker short length and when fit properly, go just under the girls...

post TT, i bought a garment from Nouvelle they have several garments

Nouvelle Inc

i got this one - Nouvelle Inc

the best is that they will custom fit one for you and it takes a day!!! they are also the least expensive i have found.

one word of caution though.... if you get it, wash it a few times before putting it on, or wear a t shirt under it. something in it really irritated my skin. when i wear it, i still throw a t under it just in case.

good luck!

LJM - is that something that you need to wear post tt? I keep hearing you all talk about the compression binders but so far my dr hasnt' talked to me about them, (maybe tomorrow) is that why you bought it?

And whats the point of binding everything? Just keeping it tight until it heals?

LJM - is that something that you need to wear post tt? I keep hearing you all talk about the compression binders but so far my dr hasnt' talked to me about them, (maybe tomorrow) is that why you bought it?

yes, most PSs request (require?) you to wear a garment. i was put in a 'binder' about 4 hours post op. the binders are a total pain in the rear, but without it, i literally thought my insides were going to spill out. just felt very - off... without it.

my PS said after my 10 day appt that the garment was for comfort and i didnt have to wear it if i didnt want to... i find it helps GREATLY with swelling. i didnt wear it initially today and look about 4 months pregnant right now. even after i put it on about 1030am.

i now wear my binder if im really swollen but only around the house cause its ugly and cumbersome. i normally wear it OVER my clothes and that makes it a bit more comfortable, but not much.

my PS garment is good. its a pain to get on, but once its on, it fits like a 2nd skin and keeps everything tight. it is VERY snug (see 2nd skin comment) though and at times gets too snug if i swell up. that's why i didnt wear it initially today cause yesterday it got really uncomfortable. now i'll just have to deal with it. it does not have to be removed for any bathroom needs and that is a good thing.

Nana-If you look on the August 07 board that we normally post on under the Plastic Surgery thread I posted a picture of my awful belly rolls and I have found that "Assets" from target work really well for me. So you can see that if they work for me, they will most likely work for anyone! They are as easy to get on as nylons and go from mid thigh up to my bra. There are several different varieties but that is the type that I need. I have found that they are actually helping my back, because my belly/skin rolls are really starting to pull on my back.

Thanks for all the links and suggestions. I'm gonna check it out!

Seamless shaping bike short is the name of the garment from the Avenue. its a great sucker inner and only about 28 bucks.