Question for the bigger guys

Have you checked at your LBS for a tri top? How about Craigslist.com for one for sale in your hometown area? Sometimes even a local sporting goods store will have one.

Just ideas..........

Believe me, we ladies have flab issues too and anyway we HAVE to wear tops in tri.

I've seen a lot of dudes (and dudettes) do this ... if you have a Target or large sports store near you, you could try getting the biggest compression top they have (looks like a sports bra but goes all the way down to waist or even hips).  Looks (and basically is) like a really tight tank top.  As long as it's made of wicking material (CoolMax, Dri Fit, goes by a lot of names ... but make sure it's not a wicking/cotton blend!) it should be just fine for the swim and the rest of the tri.

Super good luck!!!

Coodog,

 I'm about 40 pounds (at least) over weight and just finished my first tri.  There will be lots of buff dudes out there (you'll be one of them soon enough!), but lots of guys like us.

I say save your money.  Maybe we won't have the best post-swim pictures, but this is your first triathlon!  It's your day; you don't have to have any worries other than finishing.

 Just my two cents.

For swimming I wear one of these:

 http://www.rei.com/product/670078

It provides a certain amount of warmth & flotation, and is somewhat easier to get out of than a wetsuit.

I switch to a wicking T for the bike & run.

Tri-tops can be expensive and sometimes severely UNDERSIZED!  I bought a few nice wicking tops at Target, their C9 collection for about $12.99 each and they are sized properly, maybe even a little big.  They dry pretty quick on the bike.

As to your bike jersey question- Yes you can wear it, but the rear pockets may create drag in the pool.    If you are worried about pool times, get something without pockets.    

Honestly, you should be comfortable as possible to race, but don't worry about weight.  Once the race starts you won't think about anything but the finish line.   I say swim topless and throw on your jersey in T1.