Question:
I read somewhere about getting some type of band, or wrap that goes

around your midsection after surgery to make you feel.... held together, I remember one member writing that this support wrap made her feel more secure as she walked around for the first week after surgery, does anyone knowhat I am talking about?? I would like to ask the doctor about this. Thanks, Jenni O (waiting for a surgery date)    — Jenni O. (posted on July 4, 2003)

July 4, 2003
I think you are referring to an abdominal binder. I had one back in 1997 with my emergency appy for a ruptured appendix. I didn't have one for my open RNY last July. BTW, my huge scar from my appy has shrunk with my 181-pound weight loss. What was about a 10-12 inch scar is now only about 3 inches high...JR
   — John Rushton

July 4, 2003
You are talking about an abdominal binder. I woke up from surgery with mine on. I don't know about all doctors but my surgeon always uses one. I also had it when I had my hernia repair and panniculectomy. I hated it with the WLS but after the tummy tuck, it was wonderful. I wore it for about six weeks - finally had to take it off because I was getting a severe heat rash from it.
   — Patty_Butler

July 4, 2003
I didn't have one, but I would imagine you could get one in a medical supply store.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 4, 2003
I was in a lot of pain post-op due to my fibromyalgia causing muscle spasms. I finally found an abdominal binder big enough to fit me. It really helped with walking, getting up and down, bending over and definitely with coughing. I also developed pneumonia post-op. For me the binder was a life saver. (7 weeks post-op Lap RNY)
   — adeas

July 4, 2003
Hi Jenni :) The hospital provided this for me without my even knowing to ask for it. It is called an abdominal binder and if your surgeon is like mine, you will wake up out of surgery with it on you. Hope this helps!
   — CarolineAnnMartin

July 6, 2003
Hi Jenni - it is called an abdominal binder. Some people hate them, I don't know what I would have done without mine! Your surgeon should be able to either provide one or point you in the right direction. All surgeons are different -- my surgeon's office doesn't give them out regularly, but I asked the week before surgery and was able to get fitted for one in advance so that I could bring it to the hospital.
   — Katherine T.