Anyone have advice on how to best avoid scarring from the 5 incisions that I have on my abdomin?

I think that the scarring depends on your skin. I had gall bladder surgery about ten years ago and you can't even find most of the incisions. The one big one is just a white line on my tummy. Some people think Vitamin e rubbed on the scars (after they are completely healed) helps with scarring. I didn't do anything with mine. So far my six new incisions look good and will decide what if anything to put on them after they take out the staples.

Hang in there and concentrate on healing. :biggrin2:

I am using mederma, and it's working great!!

I was banded 3 months ago today. I put vitamin E on my scars and they are soft and no longer raised, but they are still very purple in color. They haven't even begun to fade. Is that unusual? I usually don't have this problem with scars. How long does it take?

You want to heal your scars? TAKE ARNICA MONTANA!!! Then use Kelo-Cote.

• Arnica Montana -- available at GNC. Many plastic surgery patients take it to promote healing and reduce bruising. It worked wonders for me!!! I started taking it 1 month before surgery.
  
• Kelo-Cote -- this is the best topical product for scars. Start using 2 weeks after surgery: Kelo-cote Scar Gel Skincare Product at SkinStore.com Also available for half the price on eBay. I have applied this every morning and night and my scars look great!

Here's pictures of my scars: