To buy a tummy band or not?

Hope I'm not posting too much here. Questions just keep popping up the more I read on the forums.

I will be having a DaVinci on 3/29. Was just wondering about wearing a tummy band afterwards. Would love to hear both sides (those who used one and those who did not).

Thanks.

By tummy band, I mean an abdominal binder. Did any of you use ice to help reduce swelling and did it help?

I was given an abdominal binder at the hospital, so I'm glad I didn't buy a separate one. I've used it occasionally - but the nurses at the hospital recommended using it as little as possible. I had a TAH, so I don't know how different it would be with the DaVinci. I have used a "chillow pillow" to relieve some discomfort, but found that to be more helpful than the binder. Good question for your doctor.

You should not use ice or cool packs on your incision if you have abdominal, and you might want to ask your doctor about it if you are having other kinds of procedures. Cold reduces blood flow to the area, which can slow down healing. Surprisingly heat packs really helped my swelly belly and helped reduce pain.
I had SAH and I did not get an ab binder. I asked my doctor he said it was unneccessary. Also, I can't stand to have anything tight over my belly, I don't think I could wear one if I had it, even my pants irritate my tummy.