Abdominal Binder with RALH???

Hi Ladies,

I have seen so many posts about the wonders of the swelly belly band and abdominal support. I am having a RALH on April 10th. Is the belly support needed just for incision support or should I ask for one because it is used to support everything on the inside too.

Thank you

Hi Marty,

I also had RALH, and I didn't think an abdominal binder would be useful for me, but what I found out on the drive home from the hospital was that I was wrong! Even with a special support bear between me and the seatbelt, and my hugging it to me, and pain medication right before I left the hospital, the bumpy streets were unkind to my belly! I had a binder custom made for me by my hospital's physical therapy clinic, so it was large enough to support my entire tummy (my highest incision is almost 2 inches above my belly button), but the main area I needed support in was the lower abdominal area, that area hurt the most. I would definitely talk to your doc about an abdominal binder that addresses your needs, you may also want a full tummy binder, and if your doc and/or the hospital you will be at cannot provide one for you then ask if you can at least wear some supportive/lightly compressive garment and tuck some kind of soft padding in it around the lower abdominal area (maybe a few old maxi pads?). Also, having something soft wedged between you and the seatbelt will be a must, I used a post surgical buddy bear, but some women use pillows. Good luck to you, I hope your surgery goes well and you have an easy and swift recovery!

Thank you so much for your advise, I have my pre op on the 8th and will definatley talk to him about it.

Marty

I am having a RALH on April 9th and I was wondering the same thing. I bought an abdominal support belt at TJ MAXX in the fitness section for $10. It is made by everlast and it is just the right size-closes with velcro. And it also has a pocket on the inside with a hot/cold pack.

ktbear2,

Thank you for the Idea. I have a TJ MAXX in the area so I will have to check to see if they have them here.