Swelly Belly Band?

I'm having a hyster on 8/29. I avoided buying the swelly belly band until I found out what direction my incision will be in. Now that I know it will be horizontal, I'm wondering--Are you all planning on getting one? I don't want to wait until after surgery, because I don't want to have to plod in here to buy one if I'm not going to be up to it.

I have a horizontal incision and haven't felt I need the support. Many of the ladies here swear by the swelly belly band or some other form of support such as spandex panties. Although I feel great and my tummy isn't sore or ever greatly swollen, I thought I might try a pair of the panties to see if I feel even better. Everyone's bodies are so different it is hard to predict what you will definitely need. It was kinda funny that when I was in the castle, the very sweet woman who cleans the floors (and hardly speaks English) and I got friendly. She knew I had a hyst and in her own way let me know she had one too. She showed me her support band and told me to get one and wear it all the time, especially when I lift. As I was leaving to go home, she was there to say goodbye and remind me once again. So there may be some merit to using support even if you feel okay.

Emerald - I actually bought the swelly belly band and used it once - only because I bought it and wondered about it. I felt a good support panty was just as good

Like you I was told I was going to have a horizontal incision and so was planning to buy the appropriate band ahead of time, but didn't get around to it. At my pre op appt with my dr. he said he might have to do a vertical instead but would be able to tell better when I was under and on the table... so he could feel how big I was under those relaxed conditions. So I thought it was good I didn't get around to buying the band. What a relief it was to find out that I got my bikini incision, it was the first thing I checked when waking up. Just to let you know that plans can change once you are on the table and to let you know I didn't feel like I needed the band once I got home. Actually I didn't want anything touching my belly and wished I could've gone naked from the waist down for the first few weeks.

I too am going under with the unknown of whether vertical or horizontal incision. So for that reason I too am holding off on the swelly belly purchase. My understanding is the purchase is a quick turnaround if you should decide to buy after surgery.

Yeah, I think I'm going to hold off too. I actually have a couple of pairs of support painties if I need them.

I waited until after surgery to order my Swelly Belly Band. I knew ahead of time that I would have a vertical incision. Didn't know until I woke up that it would extend all the way up, about an inch above my belly button. I'm alternating using the band for a few hours (feels good!) and wearing some spandex, but not-too-tight, panties to hold things up/in when I go out for a walk. My incision is so high any pants I put on are hiked up above my waist!

Hi Emeralcitea,

I'm holding off also as I hope for a horizontal incision but doc told me she wouldn't know until she gets there. Sue

Some hospitals send them home with you. I am having a TVH, but I understand that a lot of vaginal post ops still feel the need for the support.

Re the Swelly Belly Band: I have to say, I've got mine on now. The support is nice, but what I really like is the coolness. Seems to calm down some of the soreness of my 11-day-old incision.

They gave me a very large support band at the Castle. It's for vertical or horizontal incisions, and it's about15 inches wide. It takes two men and a boy to get me into it and, especially when I was having a lot of gas pains, it was uncomfortable. (I felt like the Hindenberg. There was so much pressure under that thing that I could have been a Weapon of Mass Destruction.)

So for now, I'd recommend the Swelly Belly Band. Hope I won't need it for too much longer, but so far it makes me feel better.