Question:
How long did you guys wear a binder?

I am 4 weeks post op from a hernia repair and TT. I am feeling much better now, except this stinking binder is driving me nuts. It's all mishapen now from constant use and I really don't know if it's helping more than it's hindering. How long did you other posties wear yours? Also, my surgeon advised me to wear the surgical tape on my incision for as long as possible, do you think 4 weeks is enough? it's basically all healed up nicely. Thanks for any info you guys have to offer!    — badmaxxi (posted on March 13, 2004)

March 13, 2004
Well if your doc wants you to do these things try to do it. I was told to wear my binder longer because I had a hanging stomach and he was afraid I'd get a hernia. I was sick of it also, so what I did was buy a good girdle and I wore it. he was ok with that. check with your doc and see if it's ok. take care**Hugs**
   — B4real

March 13, 2004
I agree with the previous poster about the binder. Ask him. As for the tape, once the incision is healed 99% of the way you don't need to wear it any more. It just holds the seams closed until they close on their own. If you notice any areas that are still slightly open then leave tape in just that spot. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 13, 2004
My surgeon never had me wear a binder after TT. He said I could if it made me feel better, but it wasn't a necessity.
   — raye

March 13, 2004
my docs office told me i should still wear mine at 6 months out!! i dont think so. still dont understand some of the things i was told by him, like dont drink 4 hours before and 4 hours after eating, how could i get enough water in?? the longer i wore my binder the weaker in my stomach muscles i felt, so i slowly weaned myself from it. good luck.
   — shellypoe

March 14, 2004
My doctor said that I would know when to take it off, because it would be driving me nuts. :) He had no actual requirement.
   — joeandteri

March 15, 2004
I'm crazy, I know, but I LOVED my binder! I actually hated to take the darn thing off. My advice - wear one of those tank-top/camisole tops (cotton) under your binder. They have the built-in shelf-bra and you can wear them with or without a bra, depending on how far out you are from surgery. Put the camisole on and then put the binder on OVER the camisole. It's slim fitting and doesn't bunch up like a t-shirt might. It keeps the binder from rubbing or pinching your skin. Also, it keeps the binder cleaner for longer. I washed my binder about every 4-6 days and then put it right back on as soon as it was out of the dryer. I miss it! :( ha!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 20, 2004
please leave the tapes and wear the binder as long as you possible can stand it. i didn't and had a 14in. hernia ouch. the reason that you need to try is because though things look and feel good it takes about 3-6 month for the muscles and other tissue to heal underneath. give your body plenty of time to heal. good luck
   — Peggy R.