Question:
i've read alot about people wearing a girdle or band after surgery

has anyone done this and if so what is the purpose? i have heard that people where stomach girdles sometimes after liposuction or plastic sugery. i'm scheduled for surger on 9/6/00    — jackie M. (posted on August 9, 2000)

August 9, 2000
Hi! I was given a band after surgery. It's to apply some pressure on your incision. It helped me with the pain. I'm 11 days post op and still keep it on.
   — Jason B.

August 9, 2000
Jackie, I had an open RNY and used the girdle (kind of like a giant ace bandage with velcro) for about three weeks after my surgery. Especially when I went anywhere I knew I would be walking a great deal. Keeping things tucked up firm and snug really helped me with some pain issues that I had. This is something they should give you in the hospital and it's use is your choice. Not mandatory or anything, but based on a comfort level. Good luck on the 6th!
   — Beth B.

August 9, 2000
When I woke up after surgery, I had the binder on. I wore it for about three weeks til I was finally ready to give up its security! I think it helped me; I sure had no post-op problems & my incision healed very nicely. Good luck to you!
   — Kathy W.

August 9, 2000
I woke up with the band on but on the 2nd day the RN that works for my surgeon had the nurse take it off of me while in bed and put it on when I got up. It did feel good but she said it wasn't good to keep it on while reclining as it put too much pressure on your incicion.
   — Patsy H.

August 10, 2000
I had open RNY on 6/23 and had an elastic "rib belt" that I wore for 6 weeks after surgery. The first few weeks it really did seem to make me feel more secure. My surgeon requires it because it keeps the incision from being stretched apart while bending and stretching. I hope this helps and good luck!
   — Andrea P.

August 10, 2000
I was given one by my Doctor and besides the reasons listed above it was also a good back support since I really did not have stomach muscles. I was told that the binder was to help me keep pressure off the incision, it was to provide pain relief when I was walked and I could remove it when I was sleeping. Hope this helps.
   — Courtrina Amur W.