Question:
Question about binders after surgery
I had 4 hernias repaired along with a panniculectomy 2 weeks ago. Went in yesterday & had all of my staples & both of the JP drains removed. They told me to get a binder & start wearing it to keep the swelling down. Isn't it a little late to worry about swelling at 2 weeks out? I thought if a binder was required,they would put it on immediately after surgery. I know I have to follow the doctors instructions,but I'm just not sure how much good a binder is going to do me now. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. — melmas (posted on November 4, 2005)
November 3, 2005
My PS put my binder on me in surgery and I had an extra to switch out. I
wore them 24 hours a day for the first 8 weeks and then during the day for
about 2 more months after that. They really made me feel good. I think
that I would still get one and see if it doesn't make you feel better to
wear one. I used a medical supply garment company to purchase mine from.
Some just have the wrap around kind that are more of a hernia guard than a
compression garment. I like the compression garment (girdle) type binder
for the support that they give. Hope that helps.
— wealthgvr
November 3, 2005
You, didnt take the doctors prescription to the surgical supply house on
the way home to be fitted, and chose to rely on a bunch of expert internet
panalist. who sight unseen will render dianosis from around the world
rendering suggestion from chicken soup to revisions in brazil. its now a
day later. who knows what it will do for you now. My suggestion is
LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR.
— walter A.
November 4, 2005
Walter,
I was never given a prescription for anything at a medical supply. They
just told me to start wearing a binder. Nothing more.
That's why I am wondering what good it is going to do 2 weeks out.
— melmas
November 4, 2005
Melissa, I am not sure what Walter was trying to tell you but anyways, you
can still get a couple binders. I noticed that you live in Tampa and there
should be a med supply place there or two. They go by your waist size and
how long you want it to be. They come in 2-3-4 panels. Some of them even
come with a little bit of webbing in between and you can snip them apart
just like a slip that you can shorten by cutting off some of the lace
sections. Anyways, I would recommend if you are of average height 5'4"
or taller to get a 4 panel. I am 5'4" and I had both a 3 and 4 panel
and I liked the 4 panel better. The 3 panel one tended to "ride"
up on me and I was constantly pulling it down. You can still benefit from
the binder for the rest of your recovery, and it will also make you feel
better when you wear it. I found that when I stood up after sitting the
binder helped with the "phantom" sagging feeling I had. I always
felt like my belly was hanging down. It is just extra support. After my 6
weeks was over I really did not want to stop wearing it because of that
saggy feeling. By the way my husband had a panni about 4 weeks before me
and he had the same phantom feeling and liked wearing his binder also. By
the way it will also help with any swelling and keep it in check.
— ChristineB
November 6, 2005
My understanding with P/S is that you will have some swelling for
weeks/months...and want to give your body support while you are healing.
Another option is to call you p/s's office and ask them for a binder...I
also am surprised that they didn't provide one and/or a prescription for
one. But you have received some good suggestions on where to get one and
hopefully this will help with your healing and give you the support your
body needs.
— Do-over Girl
November 6, 2005
Melissa, I just had 2 hernias repaired with a new lapband placed last week.
I also had abdiminalplasty several years ago. Yes, absolutly get a binder.
my plastic surgeon had me fitted before my surgery . I too had to wear it
at least 6-8 weeks 24hours a day. This thime the doc didnt do it. I woke up
in recovery without one on. I asked the nurse were my binder was. the doc
had "forgot" to order it. anyway, she was good enough to get me
one . let me check the label. Its a Jobst. they might have a website. A
would check a supply (surgical) they could fit you right there. otherwise
you will have to know your waist and hip measurements. email any quesrions
if you want. You will leave to love it. It holds you in place and reminds
you to bend, sit and walk properaly. All the Best! Tracey
— traceybubbles
November 7, 2005
They put me in a binder while I was still under for surgery so I had it
when I woke up (mine was full abdominoplasty). I wore it 24-7 for about 3
weeks or so. It felt better to have it on actually. I think you would
still benefit from it, but your surgeon should be able to tell you exactly
what to get.
— emilyfink
Click Here to Return