I asked my doctor how long I would have to stay out of water after the surgery and he said "four weeks."

Did anyone go swimming sooner than four weeks after their surgery?

Kat

I did, but my scars were healed up pretty good. And I really just dunked in to cool off. I'm not sure what the issue is.

Follow your doctor's advice. One of the last things you want is to get your incisions infected. Four weeks is not a long time. Better safe than sorry.

I wouldnt. I cant go anywhere near an indoor public pool without getting some foul cold or flu. Every single time I go I can guarantee I'll get sick. No way would I risk infection in fresh operation wounds.

I wouldn't risk it. Pools are one of the most notorious places for getting rashes, infections and all sorts of nasty things. And with your incisions healing and the fact that youve recenttly has surgery your more likely to have problems.

Thanks to everyone for their input! I'm thinking that my house is not air-conditioned but I do have an above ground pool that will be opening this coming week-end, I use it to walk/run in for exercise but I would not want to take a chance getting an infection, I guess I can sit on the edge and let my legs hang in to cool off.

Kat

I know you were looking to use your pool but what about the ocean? The salt can help keep the wounds clean doesn't it? Though I suppose you wouldn't want to jump into the east river here in nyc - the pollution will definitely be a problem. Anyone know if clean ocean water is ok?

I think that taking a shower and immering yourself in water are two very different things. I don't advise on going swimming until the wounds are completly healed and closed up because WHO KNOWS what kind of germs and bacteria could get in there.

The LAST thing you want is an infection!

And I don't know about you, but here in California the oceans are pretty nasty.

Yes, salt is in the ocean, but there are still germs and plenty bacteria in the ocean, too. Just stay out of the pool/ocean for 4 weeks. It'll go by quickly.