How soon can I swim?

[readytolive 1]

I am a little over 2 weeks out and my incisions are closed and scabs have fallen off. The paperwork said I shouldn't swim for 6-8 weeks, do I really need to wait that long? I thought the concern was over infection of the incision points but someone else is telling me it is to not overstretch the stomach muscle and rip your stiches. Is that right? I've been walking since the day after surgery and doing some light cardio this week already. How soon can I swim?

[kellyw74 258]

My dr. told me NOT to submerge into Water until my seri-strips came off.

NO baths or swimming, but showers were fine. Maybe you should ask your dr.

Hope this helps!

Kelly

[readytolive 1]

My doc was in Mexico so there isn't an opportunity for follow up really. I don't think I have a steri strip cuz I don't know what that is?

[Bandme1 12]

When in doubt, it's probably best to go with what your dr. said. Mine also told me 6 weeks. Especially since your dr. is in Mexico, what if you go swimming and you do get an infection? Yikes...

[SleeveGirl-TX 183]

I was told I could get in the pool at 3 weeks, but just to float and walk around. No actual swimming until 6 weeks.

[Leslie 14]

I was told I could take a bath, swim, whatever at 2 weeks post op. I have been swimming twice and taken a few baths. No infection here. I think as long as your incisions are closed, it is safe. The only thing my doc cautioned me on was working my abs... no doing that until six weeks out! Hope this helps.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

My surgeon won't let me do anything but walk until 6 weeks out. He said it is to make sure the stomach is healed as well as some of the tissues he had to cut through for the incisions so they don't get "ripped open" from the exercising.