Question:
How long did you wear your binder post-op?

My surgeon has told me to wear my binder constantly. I am exactly three weeks post-op today and I'm not sure I can take much more of wearing this thing 24/7! How long did you wear your binder post-op?    — Pamela R. (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
hiya. 24/7 the first 2 weeks then just as needed -- lol it became loose even with the constant tightening! we had to cut it. so i'm impressed you've worn yours as long as you have! way to go! 8-) kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb

November 21, 2002
My doctor didn't have me wear a binder and I got a hernia. The hernia surgery was sooo much worse that my open VBG. After the hernia repair I had to wear the brace for three months. I don't know what kind of brace they gave you but Sears has one for twenty bucks that was workkable.
   — duchess H.

November 21, 2002
I wasn't given the option of wearing a binder. I was without one from day one and never felt that I needed one either...JR
   — John Rushton

November 21, 2002
I wore my binder constantly for about four weeks, and for another two to three weeks after then I also wore it just when I went to the gym. It was nice to finally quit wearing it, but I definitely appreciated the security of it while I had it.
   — Suzy C.

November 21, 2002
My question would be are you open or lap? I was lap and only wore the binder in the hospital. I could have wrn it at home, but it itched so badly, even with a t-shirt between me and it. If you are open, I would suggest you try to wear it as often as possible. Hernias are very common with open and believe me, you don't want one. Good luck!
   — karmiausnic

November 21, 2002
I had open rny and never wore a binder. Not even in the hospital. My doc didn't think it was necessary. Lisa -107lbs almost 7 months
   — LisaTaz

November 21, 2002
I am 11 weeks post-op and still wear mine. I'm a 'puffier' chic than most and I find the binder to be very supportive to my ever sagging tummy. I haven't wore it to bed since about 3 weeks out, but I wear it during the day all the time. :o)
   — SGAMEL51772

November 21, 2002
My doctor said that you will know when to take it off because it will be driving you nuts. He also said that it would be around 2 weeks.
   — joeandteri

November 21, 2002
I second what tony said - I took mine off one day before the two weeks and even then I didn't wear it constantly - made me sweat and irritated me. BUT I would still suggest following your surgeons recommendations.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 21, 2002
I Had open RNY on 3/1/02 abd we were instructed to wear our binders for 6 months. I wore it religiously, 24/7 for about 5 months and then stopped. I'll tell you what, I don't think I will have to have a TT because of that binder!!!! It held all the skin together. I also wore tank tops and t-shirts ( anything light weight and soft cotton) and then put it around me over those. That got rid of the irritation caused from sweating. I really believe in it. Good luck!!!! I
   — Kelly L.

November 22, 2002
I agree with the earlier poster who said "you will know" when it's time to lose your binder. My doc told me to wear my binder for as long as I found it comfortable. I wore it religiously for a week, and I felt very "uncomfortable" (probably emotionally as well as physically) without it. However at about a week and a half, it started to be uncomfortable. I took it off & haven't looked back.
   — Laurie A.

November 22, 2002
I just stopped wearing my binder three days ago and that was just short of three weeks after my open RNY. My doctor told me that I could stop wearing it anytime I wanted to. He said if it helped, keep it on; if it didn't, take it off. During the time I wore it, I knew I needed it -- it made my incision and abdominal area feel much better. However, several of my friends took theirs off right after they got out of the hospital and never put it back on. (It does get a little uncomfortable and hot.) I think the main thing that you want to think about is how you feel without it.
   — lezawomack

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