Bariatric binder

[Jniz]

No one has mentioned a bariatric binder during my Bariatric program thus far?

Would love some feedback should I have one just in case? Or is it unlikely I will need one? I live in rural America and it is not as accessible to have quickly as it is for many people.

J

 

[JudyNY]

I wasn't given one after having VSG so I really don't know but you may have read my post that I had to have two other surgeries following VSG. After the 3rd surgery which was an open abdominal surgery, I was given a binder. I hadn't had any idea why it was on me and it was really making me uncomfortable and unable to move properly (Maybe I needed a bigger one?). So since I complained about it, they removed it without any explanation of why I needed it. My doc wasn't too happy about it, I remember he saying but I was so out of it at that time that the subject never came up again nor did they try to reintroduce it. Since then, I have heard here that it is a good idea to have one. Oops!

 

[3momchaos]

I got 2 in the hospital and loved them while they fit, which was only about 3 weeks. I really leaned on them after I started going out again post op, but that was really only to the grocery store. After they stopped fitting I used spanx or something like that to help with support. It helped me feel more secure, especially with the incisions still healing.

 

[missyinacage]

I highly recommend it. It really holds you in place, which makes it so much less painful to move. When you're heavy you jiggle. Jiggling is not ideal after major surgery. Trust me on this. Also, you use your abs for every movement you make, so the extra support is really great those first few weeks. I really loved mine.

 

[Jniz]

So appreciate the feedback!! I will make this topic a high priority question for my surgeon when we meet this week.

I am a side sleeper Diane is this the type of elastic you are referring to link below? Or? Is contractor belt better?

Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Elastic-White-Heavy-Stretch-Elasticity/dp/B071G3K8ZJ

 

[missyinacage]

search for Abdominal Binder. They velcro closed and stay on securely.

 

[Tokash]

Ask your hospital for one. They will have them as they are routine for csection patients. I had 2. The first was to big but used it in the hospital and they sent me home with a smaller one. I used it off and on for about a month. It helped with the skin hanging and pulling on the incisions.

 

[WazzuCoug]

I was never offered one or tried one and never even heard of it until I saw mention of it in this forum. I would have certainly tried it if it would have helped with some of the pain/movement management immediately after surgery. That being said, I guess you don't miss what you don't know about. I'm sure you'd be fine without one, but you might as well consider/ask for it.

 

[Dlkm]

I have heard of this before and wore one after my hysterectomy for awhile but my surgeon didn't suggest it for after my gastric bypass surgery. I am wondering if a lot of it has to do with how much you weigh prior to the surgery and how much loose skin you have prior to surgery as well. It certainly is worth asking about. Quite honestly I didn't have any trouble after my surgery due to the amount of glue that they put in my incisions. My glue didn't start coming off till I was 3 almost 4 wks out from surgery. That was even with my being able to take a tub bath after the first wk home.

 

[Jniz]

I will see what the Dr. has to say and give it some serious thought in the scheme of things its not a lot of money to have on hand. Would have rather have one on hand for my wife and I than wish we had bought one. My wife’s surgery will be first and her BMI is higher than mine so perhaps we will buy her one and see how it plays out.

Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Tokash]

I have heard of this before and wore one after my hysterectomy for awhile but my surgeon didn't suggest it for after my gastric bypass surgery. I am wondering if a lot of it has to do with how much you weigh prior to the surgery and how much loose skin you have prior to surgery as well. It certainly is worth asking about. Quite honestly I didn't have any trouble after my surgery due to the amount of glue that they put in my incisions. My glue didn't start coming off till I was 3 almost 4 wks out from surgery. That was even with my being able to take a tub bath after the first wk home.

I dont think it has much do do with weight rather just holding things in place so it doesn't hurt when you move or cough. Day of surgery i was 226 which is on the low end of weight to have a gastric procedure done. I found it most helpful when I slept but also helped hold things as I went up and down reducing pulling feeling.

 

[Roni]

My dr said no binder while incisions are open. After that my choice.

 

[JudyNY]

My dr said no binder while incisions are open. After that my choice.

Interesting. Did he say why?

 

[Roni]

Interesting. Did he say why?

Possible infections at surgery sites from sweat things like that. After sites closed no problem.

 

[missyinacage]

I woke up with an abdominal binder on after surgery. Abdominal binders are specifically for after abdominal surgery. They are not waist trainers. Most doctors recommend against waist trainers at all, but definitely not until your incisions are healed.

 

[Jniz]

I find it interesting how everybody’s journey is different and I really appreciate all the insight from everyone. My surgeon told me last week he has never had his patients use one in his 20 + years of preforming bariatric surgeries. But, its clear most of you recommend using one. I will go ahead and buy one since he said it was up to me. Would welcome any feed-back on this issue.

 

[Aface]

I did not use one per my surgeon. He said he uses them if he does open surgery or on larger patients.
I guess it’s just a surgeons preference Whether to or not use one

 

[Tokash]

Its not necessary and you would be perfectly fine without it. However it does help ease some of the pain