swelly belly Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Hysterectomy Store Blog

Question: You have two binders in your store and you package them together and sell them separately. Do I need them both? If I can only buy one, which one should I buy?

We think the best way to answer your question is to tell you a little bit about both binders and explain the differences and how they are used.

Abdominal Binder

The abdominal binder is 6” tall which is much better sizing for women than the typical 9” and 12” binders most hospitals provide. It velcro closes to allow you to determine the amount of compression that feels best on your belly.

With darts sewn in the back that helps contour and sizing, the binder fits a woman’s torso. The contoured shape keeps the binder from rolling or twisting as you move around. Used for all stages of your abdominal (hysterectomy, tummy tuck, c-section) recovery, the binder adds gentle to firm compression.

Pocket Binder

The pocket binder is also 6” tall and has a mesh pocket in the front. The pocket’s cold/heat packs can either be frozen (soft freeze) or warmed (in the microwave) to provide cooling comfort to fresh incision or warm for a sore belly after several weeks post-surgery if your doctor approves of heating pad.

We package the two binders together with a laundry bag (the Silky Sac) and two cold/hot packs in the Great Binder Set.

Or the binders can be purchased separately.

When to use the Pocket Binder

We often tell women that the pocket binder is great for your tender tummy right after you’ve had surgery to help with gentle compression and ice pack. Then, you can continue to use the pocket binder without a cold pack by adjusting the binder using the velcro closure.

If you want or need heating against your tummy for this surgery or any other tummy aches in the future, the pack can be heated and even worn under clothes.

When to use the Abdominal Binder

This binder is the general, all purpose binder that fits nicely, has velcro closure to adjust to your needs. It can be worn under your pajamas, your clothing, while you sleep or during the day as you recover.

To us, its a toss up if you could buy just one. Some of us would vote for the pocket binder – because you can use it with or without the cold/hot packs. Some would vote for the simple abdominal binder because it is no frills and simple.

So we aren’t sure we’ve answered your question but perhaps the information and details we’ve provided can help you determine which binder would be the best option for you – if you can buy only one.

Abdominal binder
Pocket binder
Great Binder Set

Be kind to yourself,

Hysterectomy Store

Question: I’ve had a hysterectomy and my belly is so tender and swollen. What can I do about my swelly belly?

It sounds like you are experiencing the “Swelly belly dilemma” as HysterSisters often call it.

Swelly Belly

First, let’s understand your swollen belly. You should manage your tender incisions carefully following any kind of abdominal surgery, and follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Note: If your tummy becomes hot, red, or painful, please call your doctor. This is NOT normal and NOT part of the normal post-op swelling. Report any unusual symptoms, or anything that you’re not comfortable to your doctor immediately. Keep your incisions dry and covered according to your doctor’s instructions.

One of the challenging aspects of having surgery like a hysterectomy is post-op swelling of the abdomen. It can occur in any type of abdominal procedure: open abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic hysterectomy, tummy tuck, hernia repair and even c-section.

Trauma to your abdominal tissues, gasses used during surgery, and/or fluids collecting in the tissues cause your swollen tummy.

Amazingly, you may think keeping everything away from your tender belly is the answer.

Gentle compression is often the answer

Next, let’s understand the potential solution. Compression after a hysterectomy (laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery), myomectomy, appendectomy, hernias, tummy tuck is helpful to your recovery! Compression aides to reduce recovery time.

Binders support your tummy and back, allowing you to move with less pain and greater mobility. Additionally, abdominal binders provide incision support, help prevent tearing, and make it easier to get out of bed, move and walk.

And, yes, a binder is great for both horizontal and vertical incisions, as well as for minimally invasive surgery.

Products for gentle compression

Finally, the good news is that there are products made just for your belly.

Perfect Pocket Binder has a pocket for an ice pack (2 cold/heat packs come with this binder) for the early days of recovery, providing ice pack to your tender belly.

Abdominal binder is another specifically shaped binder for women with a simple velcro closure to adjust sizing. These are worn under clothing and they have darts to shape the product to minimize the binder from moving or rolling as you sit, stand and move around.

Post-op Panty provides gentle compression and support as you are preparing to get on with your life and is worn as underwear, under your regular clothing.

Hopefully, your swelly belly will go away soon enough and you can ease back into your activities with the help of the gentle compression. Always consult your personal doctor for specific health needs you experience.