Abdominal binders post op?

I had an open RNY so was glad that the surgeon ordered me one.  I was also glad he told me that I could trim it if it was to wide as I did have to trim a couple of inches off so it didn't pinch under my breast.  I wore mine a couple of weeks as it helped with sitting and standing.  I slept in a recliner for over a week.  The binder made it easier to get up and down  when I was finally able to sleep in the bed.  My incision healed easily and a lot quicker than I expected so perhaps it helped there as well.  You can always try it and choose not to use if it doesn't help.

My program doesn't allow binders. They say that it prevents you from using your abdominal muscles and say that it doesn't help with recovery. They recommend a firm pillow or cushion to hold onto if you need help getting up. I used a Bari-Buddy. 

Thank you all for the responding; I appreciate your input!

My RNY was lap (robotic) with hernia repair. I have 6 small incisions. I woke up with 6 gauze bandages. The following day the surgeon removed the dressings to reveal steri strips and glued incisions. I got up and walked with out help (except unplugging my IV pump and inflatable compression devices). I turned by myself, although my husband always jumped up to put a pillow behind me :)  I  used a pillow to splint my abd while doing incentive spirometer and car ride home. The pain I did have I believe was more from the hernia repair.