Question:
Will I need abdominal support after surgery?
I've read on other sites where people recommend some kind of abdominal support that wraps around after surgery. They said something about it helping prevent the incision from opening...any info? — mmercier (posted on June 11, 1999)
June 11, 1999
I requested an abdominal binder because I'd heard they help, but then I
never really used it.
— PollyAnna F.
June 11, 1999
My Doctor, Dr. Lirio in Schenectady, NY had me wear an abdominal support
after both the initial WLS and the hernia repair w/ the tummy tuck. It
helps with support as well as helping to keep the scars flat. After both
of these surgeries, I show only pencil thin scars. My suggestion ... wear
it! Good luck!
Mary Anne
— Mary Anne M.
June 11, 1999
My surgeon highly recommended against a binder. Ask your
doctor what he suggests.
— dboat
June 11, 1999
I was 516 lbs pre-op, and the surgeon simply stapled my incision. I had no
binders or wraps and none were recommended. I wonder if these are only
being recommended where there is some "tummy tucking" being done
at the same time, such as on a revision where someone has lost a tremendous
amount of weight already and has a large apron of tummy hanging.
— Sherrie G.
June 11, 1999
This is one of my favorite questions that I get in our clinic. A abdominal
binder appears to give some people a feeling of comfort after surgery;
however, it really provides no more actual support to prevent any damage to
your incision. I would suggest that if you have the surgery that you might
want to ask your surgeon to try it after surgery and see if it makes you
feel better for the first week when you walk.
— Chris S.
June 12, 1999
I used a binder on a limited basis after an open RNY.
I was 5'4" and 409 lbs when I had the surgery.
I found the binder to be a little helpful at first when I had to sit for an
extended period, such as the ride home from the hospital.
I also found the binder to irritate my incision line some. It seemed to
make the lower part of the incision sore.
— Ken C.
November 3, 1999
I woke up from surgery with a binder on and I have not taken if off, except
for showers and to adjust it. It's so comforting to have it on. Some
times it gets a little uncomfortable, but then I just adjust it as I get
smaller. I am only 2 weeks post-op.
— Kathie S.
January 16, 2000
I asked for a binder after surgery. Someone on this site had suggested it.
It felt comforting to have the extra support. However, I had a gastric
tube and the binder irritated it terribly so there was more blood and fluid
begin drained from the tube opening. The surgeon said that the binder was
irritating it and reccommended it be removed.
— marilyn J.
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