I feel like I've been hogging this website with postings!

I had surgery on Monday and I still haven't taken any of the bandages off the insisions. I didn't really want to see the stitches but I suppose I should take them off at some point. How long did it take you before you removed the bandages?

I am in the exact same boat as you Berry. I had surgery on Tuesday and am sort of nervous to take them off. I am going to try today because I figure it breeds infections if they get too old. Good luck to you!

I had surgery on 2/15/07 and my Dr. didn't even put bandages on my incisions and I didn't even have stitches - just glue (which was kind of scary!). Did you have it done laproscopic or what. If it was done laproscopic, I don't see any reason that you would not be able to take off the bandages.

hi Berry and SweeTHEARrt,

I had surgery and about 3 days later I removed the bigger bandages from the top of the incisions. My doctor used small pieces of clear tape under the bigger bandage. What the nurse told me is NOT to pull any bandage that is firmly placed on the skin. She said it could force the stiches. Make sure you keep the area dry after the bandages are removed. I always dried mine with the blow dryer after showering, just to make sure I was safe. If you choose to blow dry yours keep the blow dryer within about 1 foot distrance so that it does not get too hot on the incisions. Call your surgeons to clarify any questions. And hang in there, the first week was very hard for me, but I did it !

I also had mine glued, as described on one of the posts above, however there were stiches as well, they were clear stiches and internal. The surgeon placed small tapes directly over the incisions and then a bigger white bandage over that. What I removed first was the biggers squares and the little clear tapes stayed there for about 10 days. ( no visible stiches)

Suture Question.

I had my surgery on 3/12/2007. My Dr. told me not to remove the stitches for 14-15 days. This is much longer than usual sutures remain in for most things. They are a little red. I am cleaning them good. Someone that had surgery the day after me removved hers today after conferring with a friend. Any advise?

I had my surgery on March 19th and was told to remove the bandages in 48 hours but to leave the steri-strips in place--that they would fall off on their own. I was instructed to wash my stomach daily with dial antibacterial soap. I was a little nervous about taking the bandages off too and left them on an extra 2 days. Now I'm nervous that with nothing covering the steri-strips that they may come off sooner than they should. Is anyone using bandaids or gauze or anything on them?

You need to leave the steri-strips uncovered, they'll be fine! Leaving them covered will delay healing.

Thanks Helen! That's good to know. :girl_hug:

Had surgery 3/20 and was told to take a shower the next day and remove the outer bandaids and leave the steri-strips. Was also told to lightly wash the area with soap and my hand and use a clean towel to pat dry with.