Question:
how tight should a binder be and do I need one?
A friend has a 4 panel binder that says it fits from 42-62". The length of it is 46", I am 51" around and when I tried it on it barely met on me (since it's 46") It was very difficult to even strech it at all so I'm wondering how you would or would I get a bigger one?? My doctor never mentioned getting one, I don't think I will get one in the hospital, is it necessary? — Mandy M. (posted on June 10, 2001)
June 9, 2001
Mandy, if your doctor believes in binders then you should either get yours
before surgery or wake up with one on, if not, then you can always buy one
at a medical supply. Some people who are too large for one binder use two
binders hooked together. I have had two WLS surgeries. With my VBG my
surgeon didn't believe in binders so I didn't have one, when I had my RNY
last year I woke up with one on. That thing became my best friend besides
my morphine pump LOL! The difference in how I felt was unbelievable. It
helped me to walk more upright and helped me to feel that my guts weren't
falling out every time I stood up. I wrapped mine as tight around me as I
could and believe me I did some tugging! The tighter it is the more secure
you feel. As time goes on it is important to take it off to allow your
muscles to get used to supporting your abdomen again (this is why some
surgeons don't want you to use one - to make the muscles heal faster). I
started off with baby steps, going without it as long as I could and when
I'd get really sore, I'd put it back on for a while and then I'd take it
off again. Once again, having done it both ways, I vote for the binder!
HOpe this helps.
— Kellye C.
June 9, 2001
When I went to the hospital for my preop tests they measured me for a
binder. After the surgery I woke up with it on.
— Helen C.
June 10, 2001
I could not stand the pressure from the binder.I took it off a.s.a.p.!
— Carol F.
June 10, 2001
I woke up with one on me at the Bariactric Treatment Center and they let me
take it home and I loved it! Every time I coughed or sneezed or laughed, it
helped soooo much. Now I am seventeen days post op (and 20 lbs lighter :)
but I still where it occasionally. It just feels good to have the extra
support! Renee Donalson
— Renee D.
June 10, 2001
Mandy, the binders come in all sizes and when we talked about them at the
last support group, the office manager said she has NEVER found a patient
who was too large - the hospital orders them in all sized. I was measured
on the operating table before surgery. My hubby & I are both just over
6 weeks post-op open RNY. Hubby only wore his about 2 weeks but I wore mine
when walking or up most of the time for the past 6 weeks. Anytime I get
sore, I put it on for a while, especially riding in the car. I have even
worn it to work on occasion because it sometimes hurts to sit up straight
all day long. Today I wore it when trimming my hedges just for extra
support because of holding up the hedge trimmers for so long at a time. I
will porbably continue to use it when lifting now that my 15 pound limit is
gone. Use it as the doctor recommends and as you see fit. I love mine!
— Anika R.
June 10, 2001
Hi Mandy! Since we both have the same surgeon at the same hospital, I can
definitely tell you that you will get a binder there. I didn't wake up
with one on, but they put one on me shortly after, and it really does help.
See you soon! :)
— Kristin L.
June 10, 2001
Hi mandy,
I am 5 weeks post op, and i didnt have a binder, I am fine, I also had a
friend that had surgery the week after with the same surgeon and she woke
up with a binder. I am assuming that the Doctor that performs the surgery
if he feels you need one will have you fitted for one if not I assure you,
you will be fine without one.
— Rosanne G.
June 10, 2001
Ask your surgeon if he/she uses binders. Hope they do. As far as
sizes; they come in various sizes. My husband and I both had Open RNY
and he weighed 460 lbs. while I weighed 257 lbs. We both woke up with
binders on and his is longer than mine. When I had gallbladder surgery
several years ago I didn't have a binder and it was much harder to get up
and around without it. I felt like my insides would fall out. It was so
much better with the binder. It's been six weeks tomorrow since I had my
surgery and I wear it all of the time except to sleep. My surgeon also
recommends to wear it for 3-4 months as he feels it helps the skin in the
stomach area to shrink better and possibily help to not need a tummy tuck.
I'm hoping!
— Liz G.
June 13, 2001
I too was given one of these in the hospital, which was the only time I
used it. At home I felt much more uncomfortable with it on than off so just
left it off. I've had no ill effects from doing this.
— Jessica J.
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