TLH abdominal binder proper usage?

I find that I can do quite a bit more while wearing the binder and can go for longer periods without resting. This seems like a good thing sort of, but I'm concerned that I will overdue it because I am hampering my body's signals
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I've just started rejoining the human race socially, on a very limited basis, and last night wore the binder to a 2 hour outing. When I got home and took it off I was surprised at how sore and achy I was, still feeling it a bit this morning. Nothing to take pain meds over, not even Tylenol, but achy nonetheless.

What are the opinions out there? Wear it and try to do more? Or, not wear it so I am really in tune with how much I'm doing? I'm 3 weeks post op on Wed. How long do you use a binder? Is a support garment just as good?

I guess I just don't fully understand it's purpose. My surgery was laparoscopic so no muscle separation issues. I'm not "fluffy" in the slightest so I don't need the support for that. It does help, but it's not my favorite thing to wear so I haven't been using it at home on a regular basis.