How many incisions should there be?

I had my surgery on April 28, 2005 (Thursday) by Dr Joffe in Toronto. It is now Saturday and I have to tell you that Im sitting here today in some pain wondering "what have I done" ie... buyers remorse. I took the tape off my incisions but not the steri strips. I was thinking there was only going to be 3 incisions, but, I think I see 5, is this right? I think Im still feeling lots of gas. And Im starving, am I supposed to eat NOTHING for 2 weeks, how is that possible. My stomach is making noises already. What is the point of not having anything to eat is this first 2 weeks, is it really crucial until I get my band adjusted? I want to have a bath in my tub with the whirlpool jets on but I dont think im supposed to so soon. Does anyone know when I can get the steri strips wet? This web site asks about insurance companies paying for this surgery. In Canada, is there such a thing as an insurance company paying for it, as OHIP does not cover it?

Hi Scoundrel, I had the lap RNY, not the lap band but I have 5 incisions too. DO NOT REMOVE the steri strips. Let your surgeon remove them. I removed mine too early and had 2 incisions open a little, that are still healing. I had only liquids for the first 2 weeks too, it is important because you do not want to put anything in there until you have healed to some degree, why risk serious complications at this stage. I guess I am more fearful because I have a tummy full of staples and it is my worst fear to put anything in my mouth that might get stuck on a staple or just not pass through and thereby creating a stricture. It is crucial to follow your surgeons orders. I do think for the band to work as it is suppose too you will have to have periodic fills. There is a lap band forum where the more experienced lap banders may be able to help you more than I can. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts.html It is okay to get the steri strips wet, I took my first whirlpool bath at 3 weeks, my surgeon said it was okay as long as the jets did not hit my tummy, mine are all lower for the hips and lower back anyway. Walking as much as you can will get rid of the gas, and when I felt hungry I filled myself with protein drinks, sugar free pudding & jello which are allowed on a liquid diet. As far as the insurance issue I am completely lost on that one, sorry. Sandy

Hi there! I had the lap RNY, and have 5 places that were stapled, plus one that held my drain tube. I had lots of cramping and gas for a full week, then it went away. The liquid diet has been aweful. I just started protein drinks on Thursday, and on Monday, I can finally have soft foods. I'm not sure about a bath with the band, but I can only shower. This is probably because I have a hole where the drain tube was. At one point, I really considered having the lapband and found that the lapband message board was extremely helpful. Good luck to you! Nancy

I have 3 incisions with 2 ones where the drainage tubes came out for my LAP RNY.Depending on your anatomy sometimes they use more.They just used demabond on my incisions. Similar to glue. Hope you are feeling better! It does get a little better each day as you are further out. Hnag in there!

Make sure you join the Lap band Forum and share your experience. they will answer all your questions about the Lap band and surgery. Congratualtions I go in May 20TH Barb in CA

Hiya Skinny, I had my lapband surgery on 4/18. There are 5 incisions. 4 and the one where your port is. I too started feeling hungry on about day 6, and have not gotten an answer to if that is normal or not. Seems that most the people on here have had the RNY. Hopefully we can find others that know about the band. My doc has not been to great with the info.. I don't know what is normal, what to expect, ect. Heck if I didn't have sores on my tummy I would wonder if I had anything done at all. Sorry I can not be of more help. I wish you great success! Deborah