I am 95% decided on the sleeve surgery, but the last 5% of indecision is that I am prone to post-op infections. 2 c-sections, root canals, surgical biopsies ALL ended in post-op infections. After my last surgery (a quick biopsy), my dr said I am simply prone to post-op infections and that's just the way it is and at least we're aware of it.

Has anyone else who is prone to infection had the sleeve surgery? What did the doctors recommend for prep? The lady who I am arranging the procedure through said they will likely put me on a heavy duty antibiotic beginning a week before surgery. I really hate to take meds, but will, of course, as necessary, but hate the though of extra 'just in case'.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you.

No, I have had 2 C-section, a gall bladder removed in the past with no post op infections. Also I had my RNY on 7/16 with no complication. My doctor gave me a special liquid soap to wash with the night before and the morning of the surgery. It's called Scrub Stat by Ecolab that is supposed to help with infections, Ask your doctor if he has this available for you.

I used it every time I took a shower when I got home from the hospital. I have healed really nicely,

Also, when you are in the hospital, remember to wash your hands often, and try not to touch your incisions.

Hopes this helps. Good luck, hope you have a speedy recovery.

Diabetes and smoking are the only two things that come to mind that would make someone "prone to post-op infections" because both of them cause slow healing. Have they ever cultured your infected wounds after surgery to tell you what pathogen it is that's growing? Identifying the bacteria would be the first step in trying to figure out how to stop getting post-op infections. Ask for a copy of your medical records and see if that information is in there.

Also, if you're on this forum and are a candidate for WLS, then you're obese like the rest of us. What's the condition of your skin in a normal state? Are you getting random infections (like boils or skin yeast infections) unrelated to surgery?

Diabetes and smoking are the only two things that come to mind that would make someone "prone to post-op infections" because both of them cause slow healing. Have they ever cultured your infected wounds after surgery to tell you what pathogen it is that's growing? Identifying the bacteria would be the first step in trying to figure out how to stop getting post-op infections. Ask for a copy of your medical records and see if that information is in there.

Also, if you're on this forum and are a candidate for WLS, then you're obese like the rest of us. What's the condition of your skin in a normal state? Are you getting random infections (like boils or skin yeast infections) unrelated to surgery?

Thank you for your reply. I do not smoke, nor do I have diabetes. Other than being overweight (BMI is 35), I am in perfect health (thank goodness!). They have never taken cultures, as infections have stayed internal (uterus, bladder, pocket of fuid behind incision, etc).

Gosh.....I hope they can get this figured out for you. It sounds like your coordinator is right about being given strong antibiotics before and after surgery to ward off anything.