Question:
How long after RNY WLS can I go out in the sun or to a tanning bed?

I had lap RNY just a little under 2 months ago. I am going on vacation & was wondering if I am able to lay in the sun this soon? I was also wanting to go to the tanning bed before I leave. Can I do this? Any precautions other than the normal ones (ex: sunscreen) that I should take?    — Allison T. (posted on June 3, 2002)

June 2, 2002
I got permission from my doc to do the tanning bed after 5 weeks. I still cover my scar with a towel(open)
   — Britt W.

June 2, 2002
I went back to tanning 5 weeks post op. I covered my scar untill a few weeks ago. I figure, I am gonna have a tummy tuck who cares about this scar. LOL
   — nkoehler88

June 3, 2002
I'm 11 months post-op, and finally decided to go tanning. I'm naturally a very light-skinned person, so I was worried about burning, but I didn't. BUT, I'm wondering, why cover your scar? I've never covered mine, and you can barely see it. Maybe because I started tanning later...at 8 or 9 months post-op. ANYWAY, I don't think you have anything to worry about...just be careful you don't burn! Enjoy!
   — Becky H.

June 3, 2002
I have not had my surgery yet, but I have a major scar from another surgery. My scar tends to get hot and burn before the rest of my skin. In fact, sometimes, I can feel my scar burning through my shirt. I'd cover it at least for a while.
   — Amber L.

June 5, 2002
Hi my doctor talked to me about this three weeks ago and he said it was ok for me to lay out in the sun. but said that I would need to use a sunblock on my scare for at least one year because some people the sun can make the newly healing scare thicker, wider and darker than it would have been if kept out of the sun. So have fun on your vacation!!!!!!
   — Robin S.

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