Binder for Laparoscopic?

Hi all - has anyone had success with a binder following their laparoscopic surgery? Wondering if there are benefits even when not going the "open" route? I wore one after the non c-section birth of my kids and it made me feel much more together. 

If you did can you tell me about it? 

A few surgeons want you to use them, but most don't. I think I would talk to your surgeon about it, ask questions, and then follow their recommendation.

I didn't use a binder after my laparoscopic RNY.  The incisions are so tiny that I didn't really feel the need.  If it helps you feel better, though, I think it would be fine.

Jen

I have to agree with Grim's recommendation.

My Weight Management Centre did not recommend using them.

Personally, I did not buy one.  I would never have worn something snug over my abdomen post RNY.  I would not have tolerated any pressure on my rerouted intestines.

Your incisions are already tender & your gas is making it's way down.

Hope this helps

Sandra 

Mahalo   

It was standard protocol to be given an abdominal binder at the Center for Weight Management I went to.  The velcro-closure binder was recommended for comfort, to lower strain on the abdomen, to provide a better sense of security, and primarily to lessen the risk for hernias.  I wore the binder about three out of the six week recommendation time period.  The binder washes well and dries fast.  The cost was included with hospital bill insurance submission.  I have seen binders for sale at Walmart but they look smaller and of lower quality. Wearing a binder seems like cheap and easy insurance-- like the saying goes, "better safe than sorry," and like you said, "made you feel much more together."

My Dr. never said anything about them. I learned about them online somewhere, not here. As I was leaving the hospital, I asked the nurse for one and he gave it to me. When I put it on a few days later, I could not believe that anyone would possibly want to wear it and I took it off immediately. It was awful! The pressure on the incisions and my swollen bloated innards was unbearable.

I wore one and it really helped my back to have the support there.

My center did not provide one and I didn't ask.  I was ridiing my road bicycle about 1 week after surgery.  The position of haviing your stomach hang down was uncomfortable, so I bought a $5 one and used it when bicycling.  I was only riding about 10 miles and going slowly using only 20% effort.  My normal was about 50 miles and about 90% effort.  Just wanted you to know I didn't have a lot of energy or endurance, and it is not "normal" to be cycling so soon.  Before surgery I used to average 3-7,000 miles a year---boy could I eat.  Exercise can not overcome overeating.

I had a terrible lot of pain on my left side where the biggest incision was, and about a week in I posted something on this forum and someone suggested getting an abdominal binder.  I found one at my local pharmacy in the Durable Goods section and it was WONDERFUL.  Helped so much for the first few weeks.  I think after about six weeks it became too uncomfortable, and I had lost a bit of weight by that point so it was big on me.  Now I can't imagine wearing something that tight but it was very, very helpful for me at the start.

Thank you all for your responses. It seems that it really is individual. I will be speaking with my surgeon to see what he recommends and I will let you all know what I do. 

Thanks!!