Question:
Have any of you found it necessary or unnecessary?

My surgeon requires his post ops to wear a binder after surgery for I beleive 6 weeks. Apparently it helps to prevent incisional problems and hernias. It's not as comfortable now and I dislike wearing it now. Other surgeons have opted not to use a binder for many reasons. Of those, it restricts air to the lower lobes and cause diminished breath sounds in that area (I had that problem while in the hospital and told the surgical team that I thought the binder was the problem). Anyway, I'd love to know your experiences in using or not using the binder. Thanks! 10 day post op and feeling much better thank you!    — corpdiva2006 (posted on February 26, 2001)


February 26, 2001
I think it has alot to do with your doctor. It seems that every doctor is different. I was told by other post-ops to ask for one. My doctor said that he doesn't offer them- he would if I insisted. He said he really didn't see a benefit in them. I don't know- others swear by them. Personal Preference I guess.
   — Cindy K.

February 26, 2001
With my VBG in 97 I was not offered a binder, with my RNY last year I had one. What a difference! I felt less pain and was able to walk more upright when I had it on. As time went on, I would leave it off for a while to get myself used to going without it and then if I started getting real sore I'd put it on and get so much relief! I wore it on and off like this for about 6 weeks especially if I was going to be walking around a lot. I had my surgery in May so I would get hot and sweaty with it so that was another reason I'd go without it at times but I never kept it too far away. It was like my best friend. I've had it both ways and I much prefer the binder. You might want to try this, going without it for a little while and then putting it back on if you get too sore and uncomfortable. Good luck!
   — Kellye C.

February 26, 2001
My surgeon also has me wearing a binder for 6 weeks. I am now 4 weeks post op. Yes, it is annoying and bothersome, but if it helps cut back on any type of future problem, I can live with it. You do kind of get use to it, but I must be honest, I am looking forward when the next two weeks are over. Good luck.
   — Rose D.

February 26, 2001
No binder was required.
   — Lisa B.

February 26, 2001
My doctor wants you to wear one for the first month or so when you are getting up and down or walking around. When sitting or laying down he said I could undo it. I found it very helpful for the first three or four weeks - I even went to a football game 8 days after surgery with my binder on!
   — georgiacarol

February 26, 2001
My surgeon required a binder for six weeks and I found it to be very helpful. His nurse suggested that I wear a tank-style men's T-shirt under the binder and that made it much more comfortable. The extra support seemed to help me get up and moving around much more quickly because the incison was supported.
   — Nanette T.

April 19, 2001
I ahd my surgery in Oct. 2000. I was never told anything about a binder but now I wish I had been told or at least given the option. For the past 2-3 months I have been suffering with a incisional hernia that is really causing me problems. I don't know if they binder would have prevented this but I will have to have surgery AGAIN in a month to have this problem fixed. My advice would be to keep wearing it. I know it may be uncomfortable but it won't hurt and if it helps prevent what I'm going through then by all means take every precaution to not develop a hernia.
   — stephanie C.

April 19, 2001
When I came out of surgery I had one on--way too small, tho & I had to ask for a larger one. My Doctor told me to wear it for three weeks, then to discontinue as I felt like it. I still wore it at night & in the car for awhile after that, finally stopped wearing it at about a month post.
   — Kathy W.

January 20, 2003
I never used my binder I was given one but felt it didn't help me with anything and was a pain to get on so I didn't use it and i'm fine 5 weeks out.
   — Julie C.

August 23, 2003
My doctor only required that I wear the binder for 2 weeks. I had an Open RNY. I stopped wearing it just after a week, because it was uncomfortable, bulky and getting too big. I really haven't had any problems not wearing it. Once in awhile when I would get some pain, I would put it on and it seemed to help. Good luck!
   — Tammy B.

August 31, 2003
I woke up in my binder after surgery. The Wish Center orders binders for all their patients. I wore mine the entire time I was in the hospital, but when I got home, I only wore it when I was doing something and I needed the support. I wore it when I drive for the first 3 weeks. I also wore it for any chores as I started doing them. I still have my binder next to my bed. I also felt that it was more comfortable when I wore a tee shirt under it to absorb moisture.
   — Laura J.




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