Hey all! I am having my surgery done August 13th out of state....I will be driving to a nearby Airbnb from the hospital, then flying home a week later. I hear people talking about compression garments they wear just after surgery that really helps them with pain when traveling. Can someone give me some recommendations? I am not quite sure what to buy......thanks so much!

When I woke up from surgery I was wearing an elasticized abdominal binder that velcroed around my abdomen. Approximately 12 inches from top to bottom. I found it very useful the first week.

Thanks! So it was provided by your surgeon?

Yes, exactly. The hospital, I'm guessing has them on hand for a variety of abdominal surgeries. It helps with comfort. Nobody mentioned it ahead of time. You are way ahead of the game! Woot! Woot!

Haha you’re nice! I am sure trying ;) I started this journey at rah beginning of June haha I have been obsessively researching and figuring out what I need :)
Anything else you would suggest?

I felt better (more at ease being prepared) having supplies on hand ahead of time. Turns out this was very helpful in light of the fact that despite having my surgery 4/12/18 in Minneapolis, we had a MAJOR snowstorm on my post op day 2 and 3. Because we were unable to leave our driveway due to heavy snow, my poor husband walked to the pharmacy to pick up glycerin suppositories for me (TMI, I know!). The other thing I wished I would have had on hand before surgery was the Tylenol dosage they recommended post op. I stock 500mg at our house, not 325mg tablets. That was another thing for my hubby to have to track down. Of course your surgeon may prescribe something completely different for post op pain. I had stocked my cupboards with clear liquids and full liquids ahead of time. I brought home from the hospital 4 of the tiny cups they put pills in and used that to measure my water intake the first day and a half. I would put 4 on a plate and know I needed to get those 4 cups down in the next hour. After the first day and a half, I didn't need the tiny cups as I was much more able to drink plenty of water. I also am glad I had 1/4 cup reusable plastic food storage containers for my pureed stage, but also even now, it helps with packing my lunches. For the pureed stage it was helpful because a little food covers many meals. It is super important to have a source of protein (liquid) prior to surgery that you know you can tolerate, if not enjoy. And a way to make your purees. You got this!!!

Awe thank you so much for the info and advice! Very helpful :) I am glad your husband was able to go get stuff for you :) how are you feeling now? How is your weight loss?

3 hours ago, Elle_Woods said:

Hey all! I am having my surgery done August 13th out of state....I will be driving to a nearby Airbnb from the hospital, then flying home a week later. I hear people talking about compression garments they wear just after surgery that really helps them with pain when traveling. Can someone give me some recommendations? I am not quite sure what to buy......thanks so much!

My hosp does not provide binders but my surgeon is not against them. I'm getting one from braceability.com but there are other suppliers as well. I wore one after my hysterectomy some years ago, and it was SO helpful for a few weeks -- the support provides comfort for the abdomen and also for my back.

The abdominal guard/binder might be particularly useful on the plane (and in your car) because of the seat belt you're required to wear. Make sure you ask for a seat-belt extension since you don't want too much pressure on your incisions. I wonder, too, if the altitude will cause more bloating than usual. Better have some Gas-X (or a generic equivalent) handy. Chapstick is good, too. Ask for some bottled water for sipping once you board or buy some after you clear security. They gouge you price-wise but you need those sips, particularly if it's a lengthy flight.

Will you be driving yourself to and from the hospital and flying alone back home?