Clothing to accommodate pelvic area pannus during pre-op phase?

Posted by dsullivan2364 @dsullivan2364, Sep 16, 2025

I am currently in the Pre-Op Phase of the program. I have a large lymphedema and/or pannus in my pelvic region. It’s becoming more difficult to keep pants and or shorts up without always holding them and tugging at them. Does anyone have any suggestions for male clothing with a longer waist to crotch? I am also hoping to find some sort of support garment that may go over my shoulders to help support the weight of the pannus that may be similar to an athletic supporter.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 16, 2025

Hi, @dsullivan2364 - having to hold and tug at your pants or shorts to keep them up sounds super uncomfortable and definitely distracting.

Tagging a few members (of different genders) who may have some ideas on how to solve this issue with some male clothing that will work better while you are in the pre-op phase of your program @grandmar @theilman01 @roch @wkb2texans @johnbishop @mcordeiro @mcat1 @max2 @matthewmayer @glassguy3.

How is the rest of the pre-op phase going, dsullivan2364?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 16, 2025

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @dsullivan2364 - having to hold and tug at your pants or shorts to keep them..." + (show)

Hi, @dsullivan2364, When I was scheduled for a bi-lateral inguinal surgery. my surgeon recommended that I start using spandex like underwear until I had the surgery and then until I had made a full recovery. It did help quite a bit for my situation but I'm not sure it's the same challenge you are dealing with. I did see on Amazon that they have some pannus support garments that may be worth discussing with your doctor or care team - https://www.amazon.com/pannus-support-garment/s.
I also found wearing jogging pants much easier since they were elastic on the top.