Question to Post op Patients on the Binder

Okay So I am wondering. How soon do you start wearing the binder? Did you wear it the first day after surgery when you get up to walk and what is it like. Does it pull tight and if so do you wear this under your clothes or on top? I just want to know what to pack to plan for this. When we go outside to walk to the park did you wear your binder and was it under your clothes or how did you do this? Does it tie up or is it elastic or something. Can someone please describe the binder for me so I have an idea of what it is.. Thanks a bunch Are you able to sit while your wearing your binder? I would probably be wearing mine on the plane correct? Thanks

WHAT????? Your not asking what color it is so that you can make sure your CLOTHES will match? I can't wait to meet you girl you are such a HOOT... OK I'll admit it; I do have some of the same questions... My understanding is that you will wake up with it and you will wear it under your clothes when you are out and about. Tracy

If you don't want a very unattractive HERNIA you wear it ALL THE TIME! Take if off to shower...but then put it right back on. Honestly, you'll feel better with it on so it's not a chore. Take a thin t-shirt to wear under it so it doesn't irritate your skin, then just wear your clothes over it as usual. I am about 6 wks post op, and am now taking mine off to sleep, and according to Dr A's instructions I could consider not wearing it at other times, but when I'm at work moving around, up and down and having to lift things...it stay really snug! I HATE THE IDEA OF A HERNIA,,,,YUCK!! Susie in IDaho

Geez they sure do a lot of stuff to our bodies while we are under. First the surgery then the epidural, then the catheter and finally they put a binder on me... Geez.. I feel so violated already lol Cindy

Hi Cindy! When you wake up from surgery you will be wearing your new best friend, the binder. I bought some sleeveless cotton tops at Wal-Mart and that is what I wore under it. They help it stay in place and keep it from itching or pinching. I think some of the others used t-shirts. You will need to wear your binder ALL the time. The only time you will take it off is to shower and to wa**** When I would wash mine I would want it to hurry up and dry. I wanted it back on. I just felt much more comfortable with it on. You won't have any trouble sitting with it on. You will eat, sleep, walk, or whatever in it. The binder needs to be snug and it has velcro. It's like a corset or girdle. Or I guess you could say it's a real wide ace bandage or brace (like knee brace material). Whatever you do, wear your binder!!!!!! It is very important for at least two reasons. You don't want a hernia and it will help hold your incesion together and keep your insides stable. That last one is my opinion from the way I felt. Cheri

I would recommend buying a second binder so when you want to wash one, you can wear the other. I had a problem with it rolling up on me because I am more hourglass shaped. What helped was to get a panty-girdle. I wore it on top of the binder which kept it down as it should be. I also found that wearing something under it was not comfortable for me. Probably depends on the person and how you are built. I found it easier to just wear it right next to my skin. I did stop wearing my binder a little sooner than you are supposed to. I was a bad girl! But it ended up that way because I had to wa**** one day and I started to get more uncomfortable with it on than with it off. I felt like it pulled and tugged more on at some point. I probably quit wearing it around 4 weeks out, but I would put it on if I felt like I needed more support. I haven't had a problem with a hernia, but I know the chance increases if you don't wear the binder. I was probably lucky because I am smaller in the waist so it probably put less pressure there than for some who are apples. Dina