Incisions

[plumpypanda23 20]

Hello all! Although my surgery is not scheduled until June 2nd, I thought this was a post op question so I decided to post it here instead of the pre op section. I am sorry if it is in the wrong place. I was just wondering on how long it takes for all of the incisions to fully heal? I'm sure it takes a different amount of time for everyone but I was just wondering based on some of your guys experiences. Reason I ask is because at my pre op meeting my doctor explained that there is no bathing or swimming until all of the incisions are completely healed. And being that my surgery is in summer and I'm like a fish, I'd like to start swimming as soon as I'm able. I'm guessing probably around a few weeks or so. How long did it take for yours to all heal up?

Thank you to all those who respond!

[sleevemode 10]

At my one month followup, my surgeon said my incisions looked good enough that I can go into the pool or beach now. I'm excited to hear about that.

So from my own experience, I'd say 4-6 weeks, so you should be able to catch some late summer sun and fun.

[momohime 121]

4-6 weeks sounds like a good estimate. I have 5 incisions total from my surgery and am almost 3 weeks out. For the most part, my incisions look like they're already healed. Where my drain was is taking a little longer to close, but I'm not really too surprised about that since it wasn't sutured or anything. They had to cauterize one of the smaller incisions so it's still pretty scabby at this point though.

[willow13 59]

4-6 weeks would be a good estimation, mine took about 5 weeks as I had an infection in one of the wounds.

[Hellbent 32]

Today I'm 18 days post op. I also had 5 incisions, the largest being 2". My bandages were removed 5 days ago, and I definitely would have no issues swimming right now. I guess it depends on the butcher/surgeon you have performing the operation.

[joatsaint 2,814]

My doc said I could start taking showers after the 1st week. Before that he wanted me to cover the incisions with plastic wrap or Water proof bandages. He didn't want the incision sites to be submerged in water. At one month he said I could start taking baths.

[sleevin' it in Jersey 45]

I can shower 2 days after surgery without wraps of any sort. I specifically remember the nurse in our preop class said we could swim 2 weeks post op. But again....depends on how you heal.

[Heather_Feather 24]

I could shower as soon as I went home, and I was able to remove the steri-strips one week post-op. I followed-up with the surgeon the next day, and he said I was healing really well. I'm allowed to swim 2 weeks post-op. Best of luck to you!

[rome 156]

With regards to incisions......the largest one if VERY painful! Feels like my stomach is twisting, makes it hard to walk or sit. Trying not to take pain meds. Only 4 days out. Any thoughts on this?

[Scylla 106]

I am 1 month out and my surgeon said at my 2 week follow up that I could swim, take a bath and go in a hot tub at 3 weeks out.

[patsy1947 42]

my doctor said as soon as all the scabs are gone i can swim

[willow13 59]

I could shower the day following surgery but was told not to soak in the bath for 3-4 weeks this got put up to 5 weeks due to the infection.

Rome its normal for the largest incision to be sore as its the one they remove your stomach from, just keep an eye on it being red or oozing as that's the one I got an infection in.

[rome 156]

Thanks WIllow. So far no redness or oozing. I knew it would be sore because my stomach AND gallbladder were taken out through that hole. Just didn't anticipate this pain! BUt....each day is getting better PTL.

[Debi Amador 120]

I was healed enough for the pool at my 3 week check up. I think it depends on the person. Now I just have little red lines and I am around 10 weeks.

[willow13 59]

Thanks WIllow. So far no redness or oozing. I knew it would be sore because my stomach AND gallbladder were taken out through that hole. Just didn't anticipate this pain! BUt....each day is getting better PTL.

I was in quite a bit of pain for about a week following surgery but it does get easier. Hope yours eases off quickly.