Question:
Binders- Yes, no or maybe so?
My surgeon does not require his posties to use a binder after surgery. I have read in several profiles about binders- some saying how uncomfortable they are while others saying how incredibly beneficial they are. For those who used (or tried to use) a binder, do you think it would be worth it? Are they basically just to help with pain while bending? I also read that they help because sometimes it may feel that your insides are going to fall out and it gives you the feeling of "holding" it all in. What is an average price? Any responses will be greatly appreciated!! — karmiausnic (posted on August 21, 2002)
August 21, 2002
hiya
binders were a mandatory part of my docs program and quite frankly, i can't
imagine trying to recover without one! my surgery was in mid june of 2001
and so it kinda was a bummer cuz i was so hot and the binder didn't help
that but it made me feel like i was "being held together" and
supported. i recommend using one.
good luck!
kate
open rny 6-14-01
pre op: 268lbs
goal weight: 135lbs
current weight: 130lbs
— jkb
August 21, 2002
Well I wore one, actually it took 2 to go around me... Wore it a little but
everytime I did something physical, like cutting grass. I was LAP but it
did help a bit.
— bob-haller
August 21, 2002
My binder was such a help to me during my recovery. There were times I felt
naked without it. It gave me such great support...I am very glad my surgeon
required it. I wore mine for a good 4 months...at first 24/7, then
gradually only when I was doing hard work. I cut one of my husband's
t-shirts into a tube shape and wore it under the binder...very soft and
comfy, most of the time I forgot it was there. Ususally the hospital will
have them; I got an extra one by just asking for it. I would have gladly
paid for one too. Good luck!
— Jennifer G.
August 21, 2002
Binders are wonderful. I had my Lap on July 17th and I still wear it. I
came across a few complications and it really has made a big difference. I
received mine in the hospital so there was no charge, no questions
asked...it was the best thing to do. Good luck
— Kristina H.
August 21, 2002
I woke up in recovery with my binder already on. Makes me wonder how they
manuevered me to do that. LOL. Anyway, I used mine for the first couple
weeks. It made me feel like everything was more stable, especially when I
walked. The only irritating thing about it was that it's itchy. My
insurance covered it, I don't think I even saw the price. If you want, I
would be more than willing to send you mine, since I'm not using it
anymore. I'm pretty sure I still have it. Please email me privately if
that's what you would like to do. Good luck!
— Christine L.
August 21, 2002
hi there, i had a binder when i woke up after surgery i had open rny, i
found mine to be very benificial i noticed a difference when it was off
while i was showering . it seemed to offer back support and keep things in
place. i carried alot of weight in my middle my cousin who had same surgery
same surgeon did not wake up with a binder she was lighter than me and
carried her weight more in her lower body so i think it depends on your
starting weight and were you carry it good luck to you :)
— carrie M.
August 21, 2002
YES, YES, YES! That binder was a great help the first few weeks post op!
I did take it off for a little while here & there throughout the day,
but when I got sore it offered support..you can request one even if your
Dr. doesn't require it...
— Trish R.
August 21, 2002
I didn't have a binder - wasn't even asked if I wanted one. I haven't had
any problems with pain during bending or at any other time. JR - open RNY
- 07/17
— John Rushton
August 21, 2002
i didn't have one after my rny or csections but did after my hysterectomy
with abdominoplasty..i didn't like it...i didn't think it helped at all and
i felt it was uncomfortable...i think it basically is just each persons
preference..it may or may not be beneficial to you ..you will not know
until you try...
— paula B.
August 21, 2002
I woke up with 2 binders on!! And I learned quickly to wear them OVER a
tank top or t-shirt because they drove me crazy. But eventually, I was
able to wear less and less of 2 and then 1. I wore mine for the first 2
months. I totally felt better about bending over and standing from a
sitting position. I even ordered a second one from ASAP medical supply
company because my original one got so gross from being worn all day. I
would take it off throughout the day to rest and towards the end, I took it
off at night. But if I had to do it again, I would wear one!
— Pamela P.
August 21, 2002
I awoke from my surgery with a binder on and I had to wear it til I left
the hospital. My surgeon doesn't use tape around the surgical area so the
binder kept the dressing in place. He prefers that his patients wear them
for several weeks post-op. I quit wearing mine because it was so hot that
I was getting a rash. I now have a hernia and don't know if wearing the
binder longer might have helped or not. However, the hernia is my ticket
to a tummy tuck, I hope. If the binder is too long, the nurses can cut it
down to make it more comfortable.
— Patty_Butler
August 21, 2002
I sure wish I had had one! I would have gotten out of bed alot quicker(in
the hospital). It hurt so bad (feeling like my guts would come out) that it
was quite awhile before I could stand to get up and walk. I would highly
recommend anyone having the Open RNY to get one. I would have loved to get
up and walk often, but it just hurt to bad to even try.
— Danmark
Click Here to Return