To bind or not to bind

Hi there I am three days post op TAH. I was put into a binder in the hospital on day one. I came home yesterday and feel so much more comfortable walking and moving around without the binder. Is there a good reason to wear it part of the day. I'm using an ice pack resting a lot and generally feeling good. Any comments for and against would be appreciated so I can make a smart decision. Thanks all and gentle hugs to all who are healing along with me.

I have a vertical incision and was not offered, or even told about, a binder. I wore some support panties to keep giggling to a minimum when I walked and in bed (for rolling over).

Be sure to ask your Doc if there's a particular reason you were given one, and if it was for comfort, then you're free to let comfort be your guide.

Good luck!

Like avee, I have a vertical incision, was not offered a binder and never used one. Some women love them, some don't. I held a pillow against my belly when I wanted to roll over in bed. Other than that, I didn't find that I had any need for support garments.

Check with your doctor to see if s/he wants you to wear one. If it's not required, then it's your choice. As it's been said, some women like it and some don't. I was given mine while in the hospital. I loved the support that it gave me when I walked, although I took it off when I slept or sat too long.

Lots of (((HUGS)))

I agree with wandatd. Check with your doctor. I went a little OCD on my prep and purchased one. My doctor's point of view was it was not necessary. He was clear that could wear it for a a few days if I felt I needed but he did not want me to wear it for any extended period.

I woke up from surgery with one on (I did have a vertical incision). I wore it every day for a few weeks but took it off at night to sleep. The doc never told me to wear it or not to wear it. I bought some tummy control panties to wear and they seem to help. I think it is a personal choice - if it helps, then wear it. My doc said at my 6 week post op appointment that it really served no purpose at that point. Hope your recovery is a speedy one!

Thanks everyone for the replies. My doc said its up to me if I want to wear it he felt some people like the security it provides. I have been wearing it late afternoon into the evenings when my body is feeling tired.
This site is wonderful for getting answers thanks again. Hugs

My doc gave me one I haven't worn yet-- he wants me to have it when I go back to work.. or if I start walking more after the 2 week mark and feel I need it... he told me he wants me to take it easy first.. so I am doing that.. holding a pillow pressed to my abdomen instead while resting

I woke up from surgery with one, but I had discussed it with my general surgeon prior to surgery. I had hernia repairs at the same time and both my docs agreed that I should wear it until 8 weeks post op full time, then I can take it off unless I'm doing something strenuous. And then when I return to work in October I'm to wear it full time while at work, I'm a waitress at a high volume store. So unless another less strenuous job comes along, I'll only have about 4 weeks of not constantly wearing it. While I do love the support its given me these last 5 weeks.

Oh and I also have a midline vertical incision, from sternum to groin.