Is 3 1/2 weeks too long for staples?

[AJP1243 46]

I have staples in every incision. My dr won't be in on my 2 week post op so I have to wait the following week. The receptionist said when I asked will it be alright to wait that long she said " you should be fine". I don't like the should part. I have never had staples before so I am just wondering if anyone here might have had them in this long.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Did not have staples for my sleeve....had surgical glue and steri-strips. However, when I had a knee replacement in 2007, the staples were in almost a month. My pain level went from 10 to 2 in just a few short minutes. I was so glad to get them out.

[AJP1243 46]

I can't wait to get these out. Thank you for your response.

[Dr-Patient 830]

Leaving staples in a bit longer happens sometimes when physicians/surgeons want to try to keep the edges of the wound well-approximated (next to each other; not opening up). With obesity, wounds can [open] just due to the stress on the incision.

Have you seen anyone clinician post-op yet--a PA, anyone?

I am a bit surprised that you have staples for every incision; were you done laparoscopically--belly button and a few other small incisions? Using staples on each of those small incisions is a bit...different. BUT...

The main thing is to keep the area nice and clean; and after cleaning well, dry the area well to help prevent moisture, infection. If you've no bleeding, pus, redness, fever or breakdown/separation, you can likely keep them a few extra days without problem. If any of those things happen, call the doc's office. I'm sure he would [or should] have someone covering for him in his absence.

Merry Christmas.

[AJP1243 46]

Yes I was done that way. I have 5 Incisions. 3 of them are very small but he managed to get 3 in each. I was told in the hospital by the nurses that I did not have staples. I found out when I went home and took the dressing off the next day. I called my dr and he didn't remember putting staples in. To be fair I hope he was at home and didn't have my chart I front of him. The only reason they will be in that long is cause he won't be available next week so I have to wait till the following week.

My primary Dr said he wouldn't take them out today because we both thought my appointment would be next week. I have to just wait and see. If they get too bad I will go to my primary and ask again. Thank you for your response as well.

[mjmboston 33]

@@AJP1243 I had my surgery the same day as you! I have 3 incisions and all have staples. I have my post-op follow up tomorrow and I thought I read that they will take out my staples then, but I could be wrong.

How are you doing otherwise? I am so sick of these sweet Protein drinks I can't stand it anymore! I hope they move me to pureed tomorrow after my appointment. I am def not getting in enough Protein or calories.

Good luck with everything!

[AJP1243 46]

So far I am doing good. Thank you. I felt like the only one with staples even though I knew I really wasnt. I am having problems with getting in enough Water. I am trying so hard and feel like I am drinking all day. It will get better. Thank you for your reply. Merry Christmas and hope everything continues to go great for you and you get your Protein in as well