I recently underwent a 6 hour surgery. I’m in recovery and doing well. My wardrobe selections are limited to those which are comfortable and won’t interfere with healing. I mainly wear sweat pants. Sweats aren’t conducive to either pocket carry or IWB so I haven’t been carrying. I don’t think I’ve seen an article or a forum that has addressed this issue. I think I’ll be past wardrobe limitations in a few more weeks but I thought I’d ask in case something like this happens again: What’s a fella to do?
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It is great to see you are recovering and doing well! I completely understand where you are coming from as I have had many surgeries myself and do not like the feeling of being more vulnerable or reliant on those around me for my defense. Depend on the area I had the surgery on changed how I was able to carry. If I was not able to carry on my waistline then I have found a shoulder holster to work. Suppose that was not possible then an ankle holster. I have even used a CC vest before that had a holster built in. It is not the greatest for everyday use but good for such situations as discussed here in my opinion.
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Having had an organ transplant in addition to much lung surgery, I have been wearing sweat pants for 3.5 years. I have tried the relaxed fit pants, but in the process of the lung surgery a number of ribs were broken and remain painful. A belt of any kind does not work. So I have had to improvise. Using the ideas people on the USCCA have shared, I have four different approaches depending on what I am doing. And, I do use a rollator to get around outdoors, and use an oxygen concentrator that hangs on the rollator. They include:
- Shoulder holster
- Compression tactical t-shirt with built in holster pockets under the arms. I do use a trigger guard in them.
- Tactical CCW over the shoulder bag.
- Tactical fanny pack.
Hope that helps a bit. Prayers for quick healing.
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I agree with Tom on these points, especially the prayers for quick healing.
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Sorry, I missed this, just thinking about your predicament.
I don’t if your situation would lend itself to wearing a belt under you sweats?
If not maybe an alternative location like a shoulder or ankle rig, or an elastic garment that could retain your EDC conveniently. If this situation even still exists.
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Agree with most everything already mentioned except I would avoid “tactical,” just me being Mr. Gray Man for better concealment.
Prayers 
for your healing and recovery.
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.I don’t use them but i have a friend that does and he uses it wearing sweats sticky holster.
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Two knee replacements (left and right), two reverse shoulder replacement (left and right), a Lumbar spine fusion (L4-L5-S1) with two additional surgeries on the Lumbar spine area.
Used a Viktos sling bag with a lot of practice drawing from off body and the bag. With a back brace on I also used an ankle holster and practiced a lot with that.
This old Marine’s rule #17 - You can never have too many backups (people, data or weapons). Practice various ways to concealed carry and always have a backup.
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Look for a belly band with positive firearm retention (a strap with a snap, for example). Also an ankle holster (with a supporting calf band). I have, on occasion, simply attached my IWB holster to a belt and worn it under sweats.
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Thank you all for your suggestions. I think I’ve found a solution in one of my past carry purchases that wasn’t optimal. This should allow me to carry my EDC discreetly plus other common use items while wearing sweats (limited capacity with only 2-pockets).
Ciao - Ciao for now!
Ken Fron
[email protected]
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@Kenneth363 Could you pull that credit card a little further? It is Christmas you know. 
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Just buy one, it comes with a cell phone and credit card!! 
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@Karacal Oh sure, I knew there would be a catch. I’m still waiting for my money from the Nigerian Prince that promised me a million if I would just send a few dollars to his account. No million either. 
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Or just pop over to Mexico for the afternoon, and re-enter at an “unauthorized” border crossing of your choice to receive your free phone and loaded debit card 
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Depending on the area of discomfort I agree with the others who have suggested a belly band, fanny pack or shoulder bag. Ankle carry is also an option if the above won’t work. Though it can be slower to access in most scenarios. Especially if bending over is difficult due to the surgery.
My one caveat is that I like belly bands and packs with a kydex holster since this protects the trigger better and allows for faster access then systems with straps to retain the firearm.
Hope your recovery is a speedy one!
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Keep on livin’ my friend. I had a stroke then both knees and one hip replaced over an 18 month period. You will get better. Sweat pants are my friend, as well.
They may look dorky, but fanny (or manny) packs work when belts and regular pants are not an option.
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I’ve had two back surgeries, with a third coming sooner than I want to think about. I carry in an Alien Gear Shapeshift on their Sport Tuck Belly Band. In addition to being versatile as far as carry position, the band makes a great SI (sacroilliac support) belt.
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