Question:
Question about binders after surgery

I had 4 hernias repaired along with a panniculectomy 2 weeks ago. Went in yesterday & had all of my staples & both of the JP drains removed. They told me to get a binder & start wearing it to keep the swelling down. Isn't it a little late to worry about swelling at 2 weeks out? I thought if a binder was required,they would put it on immediately after surgery. I know I have to follow the doctors instructions,but I'm just not sure how much good a binder is going to do me now. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.    — melmas (posted on November 4, 2005)

November 3, 2005
My PS put my binder on me in surgery and I had an extra to switch out. I wore them 24 hours a day for the first 8 weeks and then during the day for about 2 more months after that. They really made me feel good. I think that I would still get one and see if it doesn't make you feel better to wear one. I used a medical supply garment company to purchase mine from. Some just have the wrap around kind that are more of a hernia guard than a compression garment. I like the compression garment (girdle) type binder for the support that they give. Hope that helps.
   — wealthgvr

November 3, 2005
You, didnt take the doctors prescription to the surgical supply house on the way home to be fitted, and chose to rely on a bunch of expert internet panalist. who sight unseen will render dianosis from around the world rendering suggestion from chicken soup to revisions in brazil. its now a day later. who knows what it will do for you now. My suggestion is LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR.
   — walter A.

November 4, 2005
Walter, I was never given a prescription for anything at a medical supply. They just told me to start wearing a binder. Nothing more. That's why I am wondering what good it is going to do 2 weeks out.
   — melmas

November 4, 2005
Melissa, I am not sure what Walter was trying to tell you but anyways, you can still get a couple binders. I noticed that you live in Tampa and there should be a med supply place there or two. They go by your waist size and how long you want it to be. They come in 2-3-4 panels. Some of them even come with a little bit of webbing in between and you can snip them apart just like a slip that you can shorten by cutting off some of the lace sections. Anyways, I would recommend if you are of average height 5'4" or taller to get a 4 panel. I am 5'4" and I had both a 3 and 4 panel and I liked the 4 panel better. The 3 panel one tended to "ride" up on me and I was constantly pulling it down. You can still benefit from the binder for the rest of your recovery, and it will also make you feel better when you wear it. I found that when I stood up after sitting the binder helped with the "phantom" sagging feeling I had. I always felt like my belly was hanging down. It is just extra support. After my 6 weeks was over I really did not want to stop wearing it because of that saggy feeling. By the way my husband had a panni about 4 weeks before me and he had the same phantom feeling and liked wearing his binder also. By the way it will also help with any swelling and keep it in check.
   — ChristineB

November 6, 2005
My understanding with P/S is that you will have some swelling for weeks/months...and want to give your body support while you are healing. Another option is to call you p/s's office and ask them for a binder...I also am surprised that they didn't provide one and/or a prescription for one. But you have received some good suggestions on where to get one and hopefully this will help with your healing and give you the support your body needs.
   — Do-over Girl

November 6, 2005
Melissa, I just had 2 hernias repaired with a new lapband placed last week. I also had abdiminalplasty several years ago. Yes, absolutly get a binder. my plastic surgeon had me fitted before my surgery . I too had to wear it at least 6-8 weeks 24hours a day. This thime the doc didnt do it. I woke up in recovery without one on. I asked the nurse were my binder was. the doc had "forgot" to order it. anyway, she was good enough to get me one . let me check the label. Its a Jobst. they might have a website. A would check a supply (surgical) they could fit you right there. otherwise you will have to know your waist and hip measurements. email any quesrions if you want. You will leave to love it. It holds you in place and reminds you to bend, sit and walk properaly. All the Best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

November 7, 2005
They put me in a binder while I was still under for surgery so I had it when I woke up (mine was full abdominoplasty). I wore it 24-7 for about 3 weeks or so. It felt better to have it on actually. I think you would still benefit from it, but your surgeon should be able to tell you exactly what to get.
   — emilyfink