Question???

I have read that a lot of people wear a t shirt or something under the binder they put on you after surgery. Will it ruin your garment top to wear that. I just didn't know for sure why they were wearing something. The closer I get to surgery the more dumb questions, I come up with. Thanks for all the help.............Peggy

Peggy, I had about the same experience as Miss D. I was advised not to wear my garments in the hospital. I did bring a pair to wear home though. As far as the binder goes though. . . I don't remember having one. I had one with my gallbladder and was surprised when I didn't have one for my bypass. A pillow was just fine for me though. Good luck with your surgery!!! Hydi Hoeger (formerly of Quincy)

I wasnt given a binder in the hospital, either - but I got a girdle about a month out and it feels so good to have everything held in. I wish I had gotten a binder in the hospital. And I dont have my endowments at this time so I cannot help you with the garment question - I am working on getting my endowments - in fact I talk to my bishop on Sunday - My husband and I are trying to get sealed, and have our kids sealed to us. -Sherrie

Peggy - I think the binder is only used when you have surgery "open". I had my surgery lap and a pillow against my tummy was all I needed if I coughed or rolled over or sat up. I only used a pillow for two days then I didn't need one anymore. I didn't wear my garments while I was in the hospital but I had them in my bag. I went home with two drains and I put them on when I left and had no problems. Good luck. Melody

Hi Peggy I had the Open/RNY and I didn't wear garments to drs appt. or the hospital either. What I did do when I got home was use a super large pieces of gauze to cover my incision and then put the binder on with my garments over the binder. We have to use wisdom in all things and how we wear our garments is very important but we also have to take into account medical needs and also protecting them as best we can from stains and that of course isn't always possible. Things happen. I would have preferred to have my garment top on the inside of my binder but that wouldn't work for me and also be able to keep drainage off of them. I had a couple of oozie places for a short time. I only wore my binder for the first 3 weeks then it wasn't doing a thing for me anymore so with drs approval stopped wearing it. But I still kept the gauze over my incision to keep leakage from getting on my garments. Hope that helps..and honey there is nooooo such thing as a dumb question so you keep asking anything and everything ..I sure did Take care and God Bless Alfreda

Peggy, I think one reason people like to wear a t-shirt under their binder is to absorb sweat, and it's softer against the skin. I've had several patients with braces, binders, halos....and they all feel much better with a soft t-shirt against their skin instead of the elastic or velcro edge of the appliance. Many women purchase those sleeveless men's t-shirts...my teens call them 'wifebeater' t-shirts. A funny name..... I wouldn't wear your garments though, it would be easy to lose them if the hospital staff help you change clothes for any reason....and it's just not necessary in that setting. Best to you and I wish you a speedy recovery... Tracey