I took my dressings off

[Awkward customer 5]

It is now my sixth day since surgery and I took one of the dressings off - and I was surprised just how large the wound was. It is around 2 inches across. I immediately felt a sense of anger at myself that I would let my health get to the state where I needed such large incisions in my body. Does anyone know if the wound will heal better with exposure to the air now, or whether I should try to keep the dressing on for longer? Thanks.

[BetsyB 9]

I was told the dressing could come off right away---but not to use any ointments, etc. on the site. I don't know if you have staples and steri-strips in place. If so, just keep things clean and dry.

What's done is done--channel your anger toward changing your life. A two-inch incision is a small price to pay for the hope that the band carries with it.

[Awkward customer 5]

I was told the dressing could come off right away---but not to use any ointments, etc. on the site. I don't know if you have staples and steri-strips in place. If so, just keep things clean and dry.

What's done is done--channel your anger toward changing your life. A two-inch incision is a small price to pay for the hope that the band carries with it.

I don't think there are staples or steri-strips. I was told my doctor uses some kind of "skin glue". You are right I should channel my annoyance with myself into changing my life. My family keep saying to me how exciting it is, and how I have a chance to change my life, but I suppose I will be more "excited" when the wounds have healed, and all the pain gone away! I suppose everyone doing this operation has a feeling of a little bit of excitement or hope tempered with regrets... If it all works over the next two years, I will never look back, though - and the doctor told me I would probably add 10 years to my lifespan by doing this operation - and I would like a nice long retirement!!

[JoJo1 0]

I had to take mine off right away because I was alergic to the sticky part of the band aids. It itched so bad I thought I would go crazy. Even after it was off, it was far worse than any pain from the surgery. I think it healed better open to the air anyway. If you are worried, ask your doc about it..... Best of luck to you!!!

[Bree99 1]

My doctor used a surgical glue and the incisions were never covered. They are healing very well. I was instructed to clean the incisions twice a day with hydrogen peroxide. It doesn't sting and cleans well.

[fhce13 0]

I was also shocked at the size of the scar where they inserted my port. But in the long run the scar is nothing compared to the extra weight I've been carrying.

[yvette38 0]

i have skin glue too and the same size scar, and i agree, its a small scar to help a big problem so i cant complain. but i wasnt told to do anything to it at all. but i have a question while i'm here. Can you get the Glue wet in the shower? i have been sponge bathing (like i was told initially but never told for how long) for the last 6 days and i want to shower today, a regular shower. can i? And do any of you have to wear this girdle-like wrap and for how long? its driving me crazy!

[Kalipso2 25]

that scar is going to give you a healthier life. most likely that scar is right where your port is and i touch that spot on my body when i need a reminder that i look and feel SO much better. it's almost like my security blanket in some ways. give it time... you'll learn to LOVE that scar!

[Awkward customer 5]

I was told I could take the dressings off after 5 days and then I could shower, trying not to soak the wound, and when the wound was fully healed, after at least 2-3 weeks, I could have a bath. But you should check with your hospital.

[Tweety39 0]

i have skin glue too and the same size scar, and i agree, its a small scar to help a big problem so i cant complain. but i wasnt told to do anything to it at all. but i have a question while i'm here. Can you get the Glue wet in the shower? i have been sponge bathing (like i was told initially but never told for how long) for the last 6 days and i want to shower today, a regular shower. can i? And do any of you have to wear this girdle-like wrap and for how long? its driving me crazy!

I had the glue and i was able to shower the day after I came home, had band tue/shower thu. i was told that they were waterprof, But I would check with your DR