steri strips

When should the strips fall off they are lifting but not coming off.

They may take as long as 2 weeks to come completely off. My doc told me to just let them fall off on their own and to trim the loose ends in the meantime. (So they don't get ripped off in your clothes. Ouch.)
--Dawn

Did your doc give any indication?   I had a 'wound check' appointment at 6 days post op (so he could check me out and release me to go back to work) --- and they were gone.

If you are not having pain, oozing or heat from the area, just leave it alone --- I was told not to put any ointment or anything on them -- just gently wash the area at least daily.

I had lapband surgery last Friday and my written instructions were that if the steri strips hadn't come off by the 5th day to gently remove them in the shower.  Most were gone excepting the larger incision and I worked them off in the shower and all is fine.  So much conflicting information.  Call your doctor's office.  Good luck, Karol

Your discharge papers should have this information.  I was told to remove mine on day 10 and wash the area with soap and water.  I was allowed to shower 48 hours after surgery and the strips came off pretty easily.  I did develop a rash after from the adhesive they use to make them stick (photos on my profile). 

I am 2 wks post-op. My Dr said 2 wks. Mine are just starting to come off. I am being gentle as I don't want to pull or wash to hard.

Mine took about 3 weeks and that was with a lot of hard scrubbing too.  As they started to come away I also took the scissors and cut them down.  When I sent back for my 1 week follow up the doctor told me to let them fall off but do not pull them off.  So I guess every doctor is different as is there instructions for liquids, mushies, etc.

I had my surgery on 12-14-10 and went for my two week follow up and my doc just pulled them off. ouchhhhhhh. So I guess every doc is different.