Question:
Where do I purchase items such as an incentive spirometer and a binder belt?

I have heard about several helpful tools in preparing for surgery and during post-op. Where can I buy an incentive spirometer in order to practice my breathing? What is the girdle-type belt that some people wear after surgery? How do I find one that would fit when my waist is around 55 inches? Are there other tools that you found to be helpful?    — jules R. (posted on August 27, 2003)

August 27, 2003
As far as an iinentive spirometer, it is a prescription item. Your Dr. will order it in the hospital and a respiratory therapist should teach you h ow to use it. the abdominal binder also is usually given in the hospital.
   — **willow**

August 27, 2003
yeah the doc usually gives you the spirometer at preadmission i just got mine yesterday for my surgery on wed.(tt and hernia repair)i really hate those things lol i never can suck in enough air.....and the binder i had mine on too when i woke up from my rny...good luck to you open rny 8/14/02 261.5/156/119
   — nice n sweet B.

August 27, 2003
Hey Jules!! Hope all is well with you. You *should* wake up with the binder on you and you will also receive the breating thingy from the hospital too. Mine was on my table when I got to my room!! Take care and hope to hear from you soon!! Michelle in Indy!!
   — Michelle M.

August 27, 2003
I have a binder that i never used. I bought it online and my doc didn't believe in them so I never used it. It fits up to 60 inches.. I can send it to you for shipping probably around 3 dollars. I paid around 30 dollars for that blasted thing. Oh well whats money anyways=)
   — hillafb U.

August 27, 2003
I've had 14 surgeries and every time I got my spirometer AFTER I had surgery and was back in my room. As far as the binder, GO FOR IT! Sure wish I had thought to buy one. You can get them in any drug store. They may have to order one, but they are available. You will have to have a nurse help you put it on after wls as if you have an Open you WILL need the help with that. Also, if you value your sleep, get a private room. I learned my lesson with my wls. Read my profile if you want to know the hospital stay from hell.
   — Danmark

August 28, 2003
You can purchase them online. Here is one website. http://www.respertise.com/volinspir.html Binders can also be purchased at any medical supply store. Instead of purchasing a spirometer, even though they are relatively inexpensive, you can get the same exercise for your lungs by blowing up balloons.
   — y0maria