I was banded July 6th It's been quite an eventful healing process... days 1-3 were no picnics, but I am happy to say that days 4 and 5 were incredibly better. On day 2 I contacted my doctor's office because my largest incision (port incision) was very warm to the touch. They put me on an antibiotic for 10 days just to be cautious that there was no infection and I'm happy to report that there is a little less pain there and it is no longer hot. I'm not one for blood so I am very happy that the Steri-strip and bandage stay on for the first 5 days lol I'm a little squimish. Anyways, yesterday there was a very small amount of blood that is now dried on the side of the Steri-strip.

I have to say I'm a little hesitant to take off the bandages cause I don't wanna see what's underneath!! Anyone have a similar experience? Had an infection? Took an antibiotic? Had a little blood? Didn't want to take off the bandages??? Hope all my July Bandees are doing amazing!!!

PS: taking some milk of magnesia to make me go # 2... :/ haven't gone since the 5th.

for the #2 issue - applesauce did the trick for me! Also, if your incisions look like mine did, you have stitches inside, steri strips on top, and then a square of gauze on each spot, right? The gauze can come off after 48 hrs and the steri strips should stay on for 2 weeks or until they fall off. I still have all of mine. The more I shower, the looser they get. I can take them off this Friday, but my port ones aren't even the slightest bit loose. That's my experience, anyway.

for the #2 issue - applesauce did the trick for me! Also, if your incisions look like mine did, you have stitches inside, steri strips on top, and then a square of gauze on each spot, right? The gauze can come off after 48 hrs and the steri strips should stay on for 2 weeks or until they fall off. I still have all of mine. The more I shower, the looser they get. I can take them off this Friday, but my port ones aren't even the slightest bit loose. That's my experience, anyway.

Yea mine seem to be stuck on like glue lol my surgeon's office recommends taking them off after day 5 cause they say it turns into a greenhouse for infections haha... lovely analogy!

But yes, I have some kind of stiches (I think it's the glue kind) a small white square covering the incision and then a clear square covering.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I had liquid antibiotics twice a day for the first 5 days after surgery. No oozing or other problems.

They applied dermabond over my incisions, so I didn't have to deal with the bandages. I did have to deal with #2 issues though! I found that drinkig Mirilax once per day does the trick. Within 2-3 days of starting the Mirilax regimen I was regular. Even though it is supposed to be "tasteless" I can still taste it. I mix it with a bottle of Water and a crystal light packet.....works for me!