Binder

I had my wls on 11/20/14 and I was wondering how long everyone had to wear their binders or even felt comfortable without them? I wear mine 24/7 still and feel scared when I take it off for any amount of time! Is that normal or am I overreacting?

I didn't have to wear a binder after surgery.

I personally think you are overreacting (assuming that you ahd lap surgery rather than open).  With a lap surgery, the incisions are so small that most surgeons don't even have their patients use a binder at all.  Even for open surgeries, many surgeons don't use binders, and those who do generally have patients discontinue them after a couple of weeks (and you are 3 weeks out).

What are you afraid is going to happen if you take it off? You are already several weeks out, so your body has already done much of the muscle healing needed. 

Take a deep breath, and don't worry so much.

Lora

I had an open surgery so that's why he had me use a binder but he said only for the first ten days and it's weird how I feel when I don't wear it kind of like it is what is holding me in! Plus I worry about getting a hernia so I take extra care in everything I do! Guess I am a bit of a worry wart on things but I don't want to have anymore surgeries than necessary! Thanks for the replies it definitely helps to ease my mind.

I had a binder after my abdominoplasty -- and I felt much more 'secure' and pulled in when I wore it.

I work from home, so I was able to easily remove it for a few hours during the day and then put it on later in the day.

It seemed that I felt swollen as the day went on and the binder felt good, so I kept using it.

I can understand with open why you might be worried.  (My RNY was open, as were several other surgeries.)  I would just encourage you to spend an increasing amount of time with it off so you learn to trust that your muscles are indeed, healing.

Just be sure not to exceed the lifting limits your surgeon has given you, and you should be fine.

I didn't have to wear a binder at all. 

Hi csd319,

Bottom line do what your surgeon says. If you are not sure of how much, how long and what will happen when you take it off call the office and ask all your questions and don't hang up until you feel comfortable with what you need to do.  You can post this on your surgery type forum too 

I never had to wear a binder after my VSG procedure.  Honestly, I've never heard of anyone that had to ???

Even with an open surgery you don't need to wear it longer than what the surgeon told you. You are going to make your muscles weak if you haven't already. They are getting used to having the binder hold them in so they don't have to work to strengthen themselves back up. I would suggest wearing it shorter and shorter periods of time so your muscles don't get lazy and just let the binder do the work. That is probably what you are feeling when you take it off, is the muscles having to work again. If you are unsure feel free to call your surgeon that is what he's there for.