Abdominal Binder

Ok as a nurse I've used these multiple times for my c-section patients so when I just had my sleeve procedure this past Tuesday I asked the staff for one. They seemed surprised to get that request, but I do think once the swelling went down that it helped considerably. They first tried 2 of them, but that was too loose and one was too tight at first, but by the 3rd day I was able to use it comfortably to move around. I was using it today and felt like it was trapping gas so I took it off. Using a pillow or just your hand is just as effective to splint the abdomen while walking around, but like someone else mentioned, laying on your side is nice with the binder. I'd check with your hospital to see if they offer this before purchasing one. Good Luck!

I did not have one after WLS but did after TT. It was necessary after TT, but I hated it (no need for it with WLS). I needed a pillow either way for coughing anyway.

Wow! I didn't have one after my TT. Of course I had drains. Walked around with my own little red Testes for two weeks...

I wouldn't say a necessity. I had a binder after every one of my five abdominal surgeries (all but one were laparoscopic), and it helped me be more mobile quicker, in the sense that I felt less pulling and less weight. Basically, a binder does two things: improve circulation and provide support. This reduces a lot of swelling. In theory, this is part of why some doctors used to say it speeds up the recovery process.

It makes it easier to move for sure. I was driving about 4-5 days after my surgery and was also moving around like normal, as well as side sleeping.

Do you have to have one? With open surgery it's more likely you will get one. With lap surgery you don't lose as much support since fewer muscles are damaged during the procedure. It's not necessary, though, for most.

Ask for one in the hospital if you'd like. If not, no worries. Clarify with your surgeon though if they think it would help.

Just a pillow for me and I was fine. As a side-sleeper, I can understand how it could help with the pulling in the early stages. Honestly, didn't hear about it before my surgery.

-Jan

I asked after my surgery and I was told it could impede with wound healing. I did fine without it.

I got one three days post up and it reduced my considerable pain to almost no pain and I was immediately able to f

get in and out of bed workout help or crazy bad pain. I used to compression top since my big incision was high up.

I was given one after my surgery and it really helped me. In fact it feels so nice holding up my saggy belly I'm looking into buying a maternity belt or something to continue it. To all the folks who didn't get one and don't think it would have helped ... I don't see many people who got one saying that they didn't like it. Don't knock it until you try it.