abdominal binder?

[ginajeans 4]

I am less than a month away until surgery(yay!) and have been trying to get everything I need to prepare. One item I wasn't sure about and wanted input on is an abdominal binder or girdle type of a thing. Did any of you use one post op? Is it helpful? My surgeon's office didn't mention anything about needing one. I have an appt next week and will ask. I just wanted to check in and see if there were any thoughts on this.

Thank you,

Gina

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I wore one. I went to my local Wal Mart and got a wide abdominal support belt (like warehouse workers might wear) that closed with velcro straps. I wore it once I was home from the hospital. It really made me feel more comfortable - when I was walking around and particularly when I would get up or down from the recliner or the bed. I wore it all the time for the first couple of weeks, during the day for the third week, and if I was going to do anything where I thought a might strain myself for about another month.

[ravenjeh 16]

I didn't have one, but I think that it would've been great to have had one. For at least a week, maybe two, I stayed hunched over when I walked while pushing a pillow against my abdomen.

[FlyGirl 18]

Hi Gina! The hospital gave me one that just wrapped around and velcrod together which was nice because it was adjustable and right after my surgery i was very swollen. It helped me SO much. It's kind of a strange feeling after surgery... the best way I can describe it is that my whole abdomen felt like a bag of marbles... like everything was loose. I wore it all the time, even when I was sleeping. It helped so I could lay on my side without it feeling like everything was moving. That feeling only lasted a couple weeks. I do still wear a "suck it in thing" as I call it... bacially those compression underwear that go up to my ribs. I only wear that because it flattens my belly and helps my love handles go away. Now my mom just had surgery last month in MX and I gave her my wrap they gave me in the hospital and she never used it. She didn't have that feeling that everything was loose... So maybe you won't need it, but very good to have just in case. Good Luck with your surgery!! It's the best thing EVER!!

[Monisue 5]

Hi Gina!

My hospital had one available if you ask for it. I requested one not knowing how it would work. I was very glad I did. It wrapped around my mid-section and was secured with a velcro flap. When I got up to walk it was such a nice support. Just as Flygirl said, things feel weak and loose. The binder really helped. However, after several days I no longer needed it.

Also, do get a small firm pillow. Coughing and sitting up was much easier. I'm 23 days out and I still brace my tummy when I sneeze or cough.

You will be so glad you did this. All the best to you on your surgery and recovery!

[ginajeans 4]

Thank you everyone for the input and well wishes. I will definitely look into getting one

[aznurse4u 17]

Im just at the start of things here, but I hope that I will remember to get one Thanks!