Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

BariatricPal

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
  • Appearance

Join BariatricPal free

  • Ask your own questions
  • Reply and follow topics
  • Message other members
  • No cost, no spam

How soon can I swim?

I am a little over 2 weeks out and my incisions are closed and scabs have fallen off. The paperwork said I shouldn't swim for 6-8 weeks, do I really need to wait that long? I thought the concern was over infection of the incision points but someone else is telling me it is to not overstretch the stomach muscle and rip your stiches. Is that right? I've been walking since the day after surgery and doing some light cardio this week already. How soon can I swim?

  • Replies 6
  • Views 1.1k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Featured Replies

My dr. told me NOT to submerge into Water until my seri-strips came off.

NO baths or swimming, but showers were fine. Maybe you should ask your dr.

Hope this helps!

Kelly :)

  • Author

My doc was in Mexico so there isn't an opportunity for follow up really. I don't think I have a steri strip cuz I don't know what that is?

When in doubt, it's probably best to go with what your dr. said. Mine also told me 6 weeks. Especially since your dr. is in Mexico, what if you go swimming and you do get an infection? Yikes...

I was told I could get in the pool at 3 weeks, but just to float and walk around. No actual swimming until 6 weeks.

I was told I could take a bath, swim, whatever at 2 weeks post op. I have been swimming twice and taken a few baths. No infection here. I think as long as your incisions are closed, it is safe. The only thing my doc cautioned me on was working my abs... no doing that until six weeks out! Hope this helps.

My surgeon won't let me do anything but walk until 6 weeks out. He said it is to make sure the stomach is healed as well as some of the tissues he had to cut through for the incisions so they don't get "ripped open" from the exercising.

Join the conversation

You can post as a guest; create a free account to track replies, follow topics, and be part of the largest weight loss surgery community.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.