Binder After Surgery

I don't think my surgeon requires a binder after surgery.  Do I really need it?  Should I try to find one to purchase?  How much has it helped in your recovery?  Are there any suggestions as to where I can find one.  Sorry for so many questions, I just want to be ready, my surgery is July 16th and my DH would not have a clue as to what to purchase.  I need to get the things I need myself, before surgery.  Thanks.  

I did not have a binder after my laproscopic surgery. You can use a pillow pressed against your abdomen. That tends to help when you sit and stand. Often, binders are reserved for those who have had open surgeries and/or hernia repairs during surgery.

I wish you an uncomplicated surgery and gentle recovery.

Barb

I did not require a binder.  My program gave me a thing called a "tummy teddy".  A stuffed teddy bear with a hard back that you could hold against your abdomen when you moved.  That was all I needed.  I got one of those body pillows too, but I never used it.

I woke up from surgery with a binder on (hospital provided, I did not have to purchase seperate).  It was a God send. I  my binder!!!  If you have a big tummy it holds it in nice and tight and prevents your excess weight from pulling down on your incisions. I wore my binder for the first week I was at home.  It was very comfortable to me.  My hospital also gave me a hard disc shaped pillow to press against my tummy when I had to cough, or sneeze (another wonderful gift).  My RNY was lap and not open. Every hospital is different. Ask your surgeon or bariatric coordinator if they provide this for you.

I woke up after my lap RNY with a binder on.  I have a huge love/hate relationship with my binder however.  Right now while I'm sitting I have opened it up just to take some deep breaths.  However I was so sick of it last night that I tried to put mine on very loose to sleep last night and found that I was very uncomfortable, so I tightened it and I slept like a baby.  I am almost a week out today and my biggest issue is I am so "itchy" from where all my incisions are healing it is about to drive me nuts!  I would recommend getting a binder.  I don't have an unbelievable big stomach, I carry lots and lots of weight a bit lower.  (don't get me wrong my stomach needs to loose but the bariatric floor had to order a smaller binder from another dept. for me, theirs were too large)  What I'm trying to say is that no matter the size of your belly it does feel better to tighten it up and hold it in.  You will find that you cannot hold your stomach in after this surgery it just sort of swells up and hangs there.  In fact be prepared to leave the hospital with a larger belly than when you went in.  It was a shock to me but I was told this is normal.  I wish I would have known.   I think you can buy them at a medical supply store.  It looks like a big white elastic band that velcros around your tummy. Good luck!!

Personally, i wish they would have given me a binder. I would probably still be wearing it today.  I am 2 weeks post op.  I have the big baby pouch and that puts pressure on my stomach and hurts.  It would be mice to have something hold it up and in.

I had a binder after my open RNY... but I *hated* it.  Yes, it helped with getting up and down, and it held everything nice and snug so there was no painful jiggling of anything, but  it was clearly made for someone of "average" height and I am short (under 5'4"), so it was too tight at the bottom because it was actually around the top part of my hips (and my belly was already the biggest part of me (but not anymore, LOL!).  It actually hurt to wear it too much.  I almost cut the bottom 2 inches off of it.  That probably would have helped. I would not have worn it at all if I had lap surgery rather than open (an 8" incision). Lora

I had an open procedure and the binder has been a life-saver.  I am healing so much faster than i did after an abdominal procedure last year.  Wearing it makes it easier to get up and down, sleep on my side, ride in a car, everything.  I just wear a tank top with a built in bra underneath and it keeps the binder from itching. Good luck! Tara

What size about are you as I have 2 left from my surgery and was keeping them around for my husbands surgery in October but I would be willing to send you one if you pay for shipping.

Big belly here, short gal too...no binder after my lap surgery.  I didn't feel like I needed anything so I guess we're all different!  Jasmine