I was banded 10/2 and mine are still on. They look disgusting. I've showered and washed every day since surgery and they are still stuck. They aren't even loose! Is that normal? I go to the doc Tuesday for my post-op check up so I'm wondering if he will try to pull them off?!!

Thanks for the encouragement

I don't have the steri strips. I actually wish I did. I have staples....many staples. I was banded on 10/16 and I wont have them out until 10/29. They get caught on my clothing and boy does that hurt. I have been buying the xxl bandaids to cover them up. Does anyone else have staples.

My gas pains lasted for about 5 days until my sister came over and rubbed my back for me. Have someone rub your back rubbing from your lower back up. Have them rub as hard as you can stand it. You wouldn't believe the burps you will have afterwards but it will make you feel better! My sister told me she thought of rubbing my back that way after watching a friend of hers rub her child's back the same way. This child has MS and the back rubbing helps her to get gas, etc. up.

Oops, one of my incisions got infected, so pay attention to that pain!

I put some Triple Antibiotic Ointment on it and then called the doc to see if there is anything else I should do. Doc's office said my protocol was OK, but to keep an eye on it in case the ointment doesn't do the trick.

Wow, when it gets infected, it sure does hurt. It's better today, but not healed.

My doctor yanked the last two off today at my first post op visit. It didn't hurt at all. I figured he knew what he was doing and if anything happened, he could repair it. There is something mental about getting them off...like your closer to recovery.

I'm bumping this thread because I did a search for this topic so maybe other newly-banded folks need to see it, too!

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm also going to see if I can get a back rub!

I had staples for the first week. I first post op appointment was 7 days after surgery. They removed the staples and I have the steri stips on now. 2 have already fallen off after 5 days, the rest are still holding strong. I can't wait till they fall off, scabs heal and I can start using vitamin E and stuff to help make the scars go away.

I didn't have steristrips or staples, my surgeon uses some new type of super glue. I was so amazed when I looked at my stomach when it was done. Now, one week later, things are almost totally healed up. He said it is one of the newest ways to close incisions after laparoscopic surgeries. Weird to me, but hey, it worked!!

Robin

Steam Up In The Shower And Pull Those Nasty Things Off Yourself...i Did 3 Days After Surgery, Yuck! Dont Be Afraid..be Brave. Your Guts Wont Pour Out Or Anything! You Go Sister!!!!