Question about bras

Hi Blondie,  I've never heard of a bra that is already filled, though that's not a bad idea...I have a bilat too!  Not so bad!  I think the Bilats are relatively rare, so the bra makers wouldn't likely cater to such a small market segment, so for now the way it works is:  you take an existing bra and get fitted for prosthetics, which are filled with silicone gel and are remarkably life-like...you could chose larger or smaller than your pre-surgical size.  You might be able to do this by internet, but it's nice to be fitted because the fitters are good at gauging the right size and shape.  Have you considered taking a photo of your "girls" pre-op?  You won't be able to wear these final prosthetics for a while because they'd irritate the scars.  Once you're up and around, you can use light-weight ones which the cancer society provides (in Canada anyway), or fill a bra with socks, or fibrefil, or some here have suggested wash-puffs...(I can't speak to the practicality of the last three options.  Others may have other suggestions. While I was healing, I just wore loose blouses and a little jacket on top...no one noticed!!! If you go thru chemo, you may lose a lot of weight, so keep in mind that your weight may change...you might want to wait til you're stabilized before spending a lot on the prosthetics.  BTW my mother just got fitted for hers, and she was delighted with the effect, the natural feel and beautiful lacy bra she got.  You can buy special bras, or if your current bras have full cups, you can have pockets put in to hold the prosthetics  Your surgeon will advise you when you can wear prosthetics and a bra...likely at your two week appointment. Good luck!!  Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

Blondie,

I had my BM a week and a half ago and purchased my first bra yesterday.  I bought a mastectomy bra (actually covered by insurance) in the size that I will be after expansion process is complete and the implants are in place.  To fill it out, I used some of the fiberfill "puffs". 

If you are not undergoing reconstruction there are full sized fiberfill forms to completely fill out the bra cups.  Unfortunately, from what I read here, it is usually at least 4 weeks and usually more like 6 until you will be able to wear the more life-like breast forms (prosthetics) because your incisions need to be well healed and completely non-tender to be able to tolereate wearing the forms for any length of time. 

Good luck to you!