Question:
Has anyone considered wrapping their stomach to hold the muscles in after surgery?

What I mean is almost like a corsett. I would think it would feel good to have the compression on the incision and make it easier to move and bend because the cut muscles are supported. I know after I had LAP gallbladder it really helped to hold a pillow on my stomach all the time, especially if I tried to lay on my side.<p>I realize it would not be able to be tight but just enough pressure to hold things in. Obviously I wouldn't do it without my DR's approval but just interested in what people thought. Would it help based on your experiences?    — zoedogcbr (posted on December 1, 2002)

December 1, 2002
Chris most of the time your surgeon has a binder on you when you come out of surgery and it is made to fit your abdomin and to support it. So things are a little bit easier. I would call and ask the surgeons office if they put one of these on you. Where I am having my surgery I know they recommend wearing it for atleast 2 weeks. Some people wear them longer. I have also noticed alot of people that wear them longer there scars come out alot better looking, because of the support of the incision and it prevents it from not hanging so to speak. good luck,
   — Starla W.

December 1, 2002
The binder works wonders. They are in the lingere section of the Lane Bryant catalog...I think they were about $10.00. I came out of surgery wearing mine and ended up getting blood on it so they gave me another so I had one to wear while the other is being washed.
   — cherokey55

December 1, 2002
Thanks! My tummy feels better already! LOL Obviously I haven't gotten to discuss these sort of details with the surgeon yet. I imagine he does something similar.
   — zoedogcbr

December 1, 2002
Hi there, I had a binder when I came out of surgery and was told to wear it for 2-3 months after, I know it helps a whole lot especially while exercising and while doing things outside. I may wear it for the whole 3 months, but I haven't noticed anything different in the way my scar looks. Open RNY 9/23/02 -72 lbs. Vi
   — Vi F.

December 1, 2002
I had a binder on as well when I came out of surgery. I wore it for 2 or 3 weeks. It realy did help. After that it just became annoying. It helped to wear a t-shirt under it. It kinda makes ya hot.
   — RebeccaP