I'm 5 days post op VSG, and my incisions are still so tender that I can't wear even loose elastic waist pants for more than about 30 minutes. Pain meds help some, but not enough. I'm planning to go back to work day after tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be able to because of this. Otherwise everything is fine - able to get in all required Water and Protein without a problem.

Do you have an abdominal binder? I could wear even jeans with this on too. I was a little stiff but not completely uncomfortable.

No, nobody mentioned that. I'm thinking it's the compression of my abdomen that is the problem, so I'm not sure that would be the answer. But it would be worth a try...

Jean, you may want to inquire with doctor to extend your time off, if you can. It's so important to rest and heal properly. I just came home from surgery yesterday and the nurse couldn't stress enough to make sure I kept wounds, clean and bandanged properly. When I showered to dry thoroughly and banded back up. Idk if returning to work with tender wounds is going to help Hope you feel and recover soon.

Fluffnomore, where do you get an abdominal binder?? Hadn't heard of it?? Did you get one? And what should one expect from this binder?

When I woke up in recovery, this sweet item was on me:

http://www.soap.com/p/gabrialla-womens-breathable-elastic-abdominal-binder-12-in-wide-2xl-231931?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_S&utm_term=ZQB-11683&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1323144446&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla

It was my constant companion for the first two weeks. I stopped wearing it sometime early last week (week 3.) Especially when I had to attend a meeting for a couple of hours (and drive an hour each way to get there) having that extra support was amazing. And the wounds didn't hurt when there was this light pressure on them.

They have them on Amazon; just google abdominal binder.

My pants must sit low because they didn't bother my incisions! I am 3.5 weeks out and my largest incision still aches sometimes - but I do agree that a bit of pressure might help. I did have lots of tenderness rolling over through to the end of the second week. After that, it was much better.

Hope you are feeling better soon!

To address the compression issue, what might be making things hurt is your stomach skin pulling at the incisions. This gives the same amount of support to all of the incisions and keeps gravity from pulling them down. They definitely hurt more the day I stopped wearing it.

My surgeon recommends the binder to support your core and to help prevent hernias. When they pump you full of gas, there is extra room in your cavity. It sure helps when walking, etc.

I take it off to shower and it feels amazing when I put it back on. I'd suggest that you purchase one if they are not provided.

They gave me a binder which worked great under my pants for about 5 days than once swelling was down it was not comfy but still needed some thing so I got one of those Kimora body things, it feels wonderful almost like a little hug on my tummy..im almost 3 weeks out and although my pants are not real tight I slide the band down a bit once I sit....you would think compression is not the answer but it feels good and kinda evens out the pressure of the pants band if that makes sense

Thank you one and all. I appreciate you!