A group of Alberta researchers are launching a pilot project to test a garment that would provide support for obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and need support for loose skin.

Mary Forhan, a professor of occupational therapy at the University of Alberta, and other researchers from the school have started six clinics across Alberta to bring the custom garment, which they say is the first of its kind in Canada, to patients who have lost substantial weight.

The piece of clothing acts as custom underwear to keep loose skin in place for patients who have had bariatric surgery.

The goal was to help patients feel normal and live a safe life by restricting loose skin, Forhan says.

"It can limit people's ability to move, the person's ability to move, to walk safely," she told CTV Edmonton.

A preliminary study of 10 patients conducted last year showed that patients increased their confidence and comfort to participate in everyday activities, according to a university release.

Marty Enokson, a paralegal for the Crown Prosecutor's Office, took part in the preliminary study after losing 100 pounds due to a mixture of bariatric surgery and a change in lifestyle.

The supportive clothing helped him overcome his fear of being out in public, he says.

"It allows me to be confident in myself, Enokson said. "I didn't want to be a spectacle anymore, and I didn't want it to defeat me."

Canadian researchers hit an initial roadblock after discovering a group in France was working on a similar device, but decided to pool their resources and help bring the clothing to Canada.

The underwear-like pieces of clothing have been available in five Alberta cities for two weeks so far, and researchers say 40 people have been fitted.

Enokson admits that as a patient he knows the garment is expensive, but it's worth the price.

"I realize the garment is on the pricey side but you know what, I'm a human being and I deserve to live," he said.

Alberta is currently the only province that has access to the garment, but the goal is to get the $400 article of clothing covered by the Alberta government and then used in other provinces.

With a report from CTV Edmonton's Carmen Leibel