What is the benefit of the binder?

 HiAll-  I'm still new to my TT - 2 weeks out.  I got a binder this week.  I find it pretty uncomfortable.  The nurse advised it wasn't required if I was uncomfortable but I obviously want to get the best results as soon as I can.  What exactly is the benefit of wearing the binder?

Hey Sherry-I'm on day 15 from My TT and my doctor gave me a binder and a special body suit. It's supposed to help witht the swelling and helps with pain. I have had mine on since day 1 and it really becomes rather comfortable after a while. It took some trial and error to find the right one but my surgeon pick up the tab on all of them so it wasn't to bad. I have on a dale 12" Binder and a Design Veronique body suit. Hope it helps.

Omar, I just checked out your profile pix and you are nothing short of amazing!! I cannot get over the transformation!

Your deterimination is simply awe-inspiring!! Good job, good luck and CONGRATULATIONS on such an amazing turn-around.

Soapy

Thank you, it's been a long hard road and I hope now with the plastics being done I can finally reach that goal. Feels good to finally feel normal, Thanks again

Hey Omar: Does the binder give GOOD support combined with your suit? I'm looking for a GOOD binder! I guess I mean FIRM support

Very Firm when combined with the suit.

 Interesting you wore it from day 1.  They said they didn't want me to wear it until my drains were out so I only just got one.  My pain is minor and manageable now so I don't really need it for that.  I do have swelling though. Although I don't think to the extent a lot of others have as I don't feel like I look "pregnant"

Hi Sherry,
I know it is uncomfortable but I still wear it.
Are you having any swelling??
If so get into your binder......it will help to reduce/eliminate swelling.
I'm wearing a compression garment and my binder and guess what the little bit of swelling I had is basically gone.  Now I wear it as maintenance to keep the swelling away.  One the few times I take them off for a more than an hour or so I can notice a little puffiness in my stomach and some swelling in my thighs.  As soon as I get into the garment the swelling goes down.

So I say wear it....

TTFN
Ruth

Ruth/all, not having wore one of these yet, is it safe to say that I can wear regular clothes underneath the garment and binder without people knowing its there? Will I have to wear baggy clothes while these are on?
Thanks
Tammy

When I leave the house I wear my compression garment under my regular cloths....can't tell a thing.
I don't wear the binder anymore when I leave the house because that is hard to hide (and more uncomfortable).  A couple of days ago I responded to anther post and gave links to 2 good websites if you need to buy a garment.  If you can't find it PM me and I'll send you note..
TTFN
Ruth

PS- a couple days ago I went out in just Spanx...it didn't feel as good to me....I'm more comfortable right now still having the extra strength compression. (I'm 6 weeks post-op today)