Abdominal Binder

Today I want to talk a little bit about the abdominal binder. Some people have asked questions about this tool and how it can help after bariatric surgery.

I was about three hours out of surgery when I met my good friend, the abdominal binder. It looks similar to a back brace, but the support it provide is more spread through the wearer's core.

The nurse put the abdominal binder on me when I stood up for the first time post op (with the help of three people). I immediatley felt relief and the second time I stood up, I was able to walk around much longer than the first time.

By the end of the night, I was asking for a half dose of my heavy duty pain meds. I attribute all of this to the binder.

I wore the binder all day every day for two weeks. Luckily, my parents had one in the same size from a hospital stay of my dad's, so I was able to wash one while wearing the other.

After about two weeks, I started wearing the binder only if I left the house. This was because one day I went out without it and my energy levels were tanked. I think this only lasted about a week.

A lot of the questions I see about the binder start with "what is this thing and where can I buy one?" I recommend to people to wait until you're in the hospital and they will more than likely give you one. Then, you can look at the tag for the size, and buy a second one if you need it.

Some people respond that their doctor's don't want them wearing the binder, or not wearing it that much, as to not become dependent on it. My non-medical opinion of that is that thinking is not right. I'd rather be hooked on compression on my abs than hooked on oxy or other opioids.

I was lucky enough to have seven small incisions all held together with surgical glue, so putting the binder right on my skin felt fine. Some people have staples, and they suggest putting a t-shirt between your skin and the binder.

I will say this about the binder is that its hot. It's a thick fabric and it was unforgiving in the June heat right after my surgery.

Ask your doctor or nurses if the binder will be right for you!