I keep forgetting to ask my doc and he never mentioned not going into the pool or ocean . . . how long are we supposed to wait. It's 4th of July weekend, and I forgot to ask! I was banded 5/28. Is it safe to go in?

Hi:

I had a tummy tuck on 5/14 and my surgeon said I could go in the Water 4 weeks post op. I think as long as you don't have any openings in your incisions you should be fine.

Enjoy the water!

I love my band and my new flat tummy!

Sue

Have your incisions healed? My surgeon said "no". I was so disappointed. I was on vacation at the beach the week after surgery. Then my port incision got infected anyway. My surgery was May 15 and yesterday was my first splash in the pool. I still have a dried "scab", but I covered it with a good waterproof bandage and it worked. It was so nice. I am a water person in the summer. Good luck.

I am scheduled Monday for the Lap Band and thought I better find out the pool restrictions and unfortunately for me I have to wait 6 weeks! They said the risk of infecting the band cannot be taken. So I guess I will swim at the end of August for a couple weeks. I guess it saves me the embarrassment of the swimsuit for this year, but next year...watch out!!!

I was banded 6/5 and my Dr. gave me clearance to swim on 6/22- so a little over three weeks. I'm sure it depends a lot on well your incisions are healing.

I was told 4 weeks, but I'd be less cautious about the ocean than a pool. Public pools, ick. I get sick every time I go in one anyway. But salt water is great for healing, but I'd want my incisions to be at least a couple of weeks old at least.

Banded on 6/9 at at 2 week post op appt on 6/22 was cleared for pool or ocean. so happy also, being in Ft. Lauderdale and all. of course now it has rained almost daily so i haven't been able to take advantage.

I can't wait until we move at the end of the month so I can get my pool and use it all the time.

My doctor said 10 days if my incisions looked okay -- no redness, swelling or drainage. He said to make sure I dried very well!

If you're pretty well healed and didn't have a big hernia repair or something, 6 weeks should be long enough to wait before you swim.

If it's not been that long but you're healed, just don't overexert yourself.

Bandarama, I'm getting my band in St. Louis on July 15th? Who is your doctor? Good luck. Hope to hear from you since we will be recouping about the same time.