Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Advice about incisions



Recommended Posts

I left the hospital without anyone telling me what to do about the laproscopic incisions dotting my tummy, it's been three days since I got home from TJ and I've only been doing sponge baths and avoiding getting the bandages wet. I've read on other forums to wait till they fall off, is this correct? I'm getting itchy under them and wonder if they should be doctored with more antiseptic and new bandages.

And WOO-HOO! It's been almost a week and I'm down 12 lbs! I actually weigh less than my husband for the first time in 7 years!:P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If they're still draining, then yes you should clean them and replace the bandages. If there's no drainage and they're dry and clotted, then you can just clean them and keep them uncovered. I was able to shower in the hospital 2 days after I had surgery in TJ so I'm not sure why you would only be able to sponge bathe right now. You should have been given aftercare instructions from your coordinator at the very least.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

These are the indications I give my patients...

1. Wash twice daily with neutral soap and Water...no unapproved creams, ointments, home remedies etc!

2. Cover the incisions with a gauze and secure it with tape.

3. If it itches it is normal. This means that scar tissue is forming.

4. Warning signs:

  • Purulent (pus) discharge that is white-yellow-green, etc
  • Excessive bleeding that will not stop with pressure (applied by yourself)
  • Bright redness around the incision
  • Suture's 'pop out'
  • High grade fever (over 39'C or over 100'F)
  • To prevent all of this follow the cleaning instructions and take your medications as indicated! DO NOT take +/- 1 or 2 hrs

4. If none of this happens you are in the clear.

5. If for some reason your doctors left a penrose drain, contact me and I can give you further pointers.

Let me know if you have other questions...I will be happy to help out.

Best,

Dr. JSA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If they're still draining, then yes you should clean them and replace the bandages. If there's no drainage and they're dry and clotted, then you can just clean them and keep them uncovered. I was able to shower in the hospital 2 days after I had surgery in TJ so I'm not sure why you would only be able to sponge bathe right now. You should have been given aftercare instructions from your coordinator at the very least.

I did shower at the hospital, but was bundled up again with bandages. Nobody told me what to do with them after I got home...I never saw my coordinator at all the last day, probably because it was a Sunday.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

These are the indications I give my patients...

1. Wash twice daily with neutral soap and Water...no unapproved creams, ointments, home remedies etc!

2. Cover the incisions with a gauze and secure it with tape.

3. If it itches it is normal. This means that scar tissue is forming.

4. Warning signs:

  • Purulent (pus) discharge that is white-yellow-green, etc
  • Excessive bleeding that will not stop with pressure (applied by yourself)
  • Bright redness around the incision
  • Suture's 'pop out'
  • High grade fever (over 39'C or over 100'F)
  • To prevent all of this follow the cleaning instructions and take your medications as indicated! DO NOT take +/- 1 or 2 hrs

4. If none of this happens you are in the clear.

5. If for some reason your doctors left a penrose drain, contact me and I can give you further pointers.

Let me know if you have other questions...I will be happy to help out.

Best,

Dr. JSA

THANK YOU so much. It was wonderful of you to take the time to let me know. Much appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

CONGRATS on your surgery and weight loss!

Thank you Diva! :D I admit to having fantasies about pizza and Taco Bell, but I'm gonna stay strong...jello and cream of wheat, here I come!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We're happy to announce the launch of www.SleevePlicationTalk.com ! A new community for pre or post Gastric Sleeve Plication surgery support

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×