Have you tried those pants, with the 'fold-down' waist? About a year or so ago, I got a pair for my daughter (from Land's End but don't know whether or not they still carry them) but they were a bit too big for her, so I now have them (I'm just a bit heavier than she is). Folded down, the pants don't work for me BUT with that wide band left up, they're very comfortable! The 'waist' panel reminds me of maternity pants, in that it's very stretchy. The waist band is a rib-knit and not at all tight, left up. The rest of the pants are knit and fitted enough below the band, to stay in place. According to my daughter, the style was pretty popular so you may still be able to find some, somewhere.