Did anyone use an Abdominal binder after surgery? If so what was helpful about it?

I would think the feeling that everything isn't going to,pop out when you sneeze or,cough. Also since your tummy is tender, it just feels,like another level of protection,from the outside chance of being bumped?

@MissPriss81 Yes I used one and still use it. I am SO grateful I got one, especially for the week following surgery when I had to take 2 flights home.

An abdominal binder works kind of like how a tensor bandage works when you have sprained your ankle - it provides support. When you have had laparoscopic surgery they pump your stomach up with huge amounts of gas so they can see your organs clearly. As a result it stretches the skin around your stomach and sides. For me, it felt as though I had been bruised/hit all over that area and I was extremely sore. So every movement, trying to get up and down from a sitting or laying down position, even being pushed in a wheel chair and going over the slightest bump, really hurt. But the binder provided support and sort of held me in so that it minimized pain.

I have since taken in my binder because it was too big and it worked fine doing that on a sewing machine. When I have to do a lot of errands I wear the binder and I swear by it.

Here is the one I ordered from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/TOROS-GROUP-Elastic-Abdominal-Postpartum-Operative/dp/B012LA01ZA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1529366747&sr=8-1&keywords=Elastic%2BAbdominal%2BBinder%2B%2F%2BPostpartum%2B%26%2BPost%2BOperative%2BBelly%2BWrap%2B-%2BBeige%2C%2B3X&dpID=41o39hvCCpL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1

Edited June 19, 20188 yr by BajanSleeve

I didn't use a binder with my sleeve surgery but I did for a previous abdominal surgery I had. I honestly wished throughout my whole healing process from the sleeve that I had kept the binder from before because it just offers so much support. I can't explain it but without the binder I inadvertently walked around hunchbacked (like I was trying to protect my tummy) until I fully healed. But I was worried to get another binder because for me personally it became kind of a crutch after the first surgery that took me while to wean from and I was too worried to start that over again. (I realize as I write that how weird it sounds).

I used it on and off for a month. It just feels good to be supported.

Use it when you are going to be on your feet a lot. Right after surgery I wore it to sleep sometimes too. Figure out what works for you and do it.

From the advice on the forum, I asked for one in the hospital. I wore it for two days. Since my pain was minimal, I didn’t feel like it helped. Others, with more pain, view them as a lifesaver.