Question:
When can I take a bath instead of a shower post-op, Open RNY?

   — Lauren E. (posted on March 24, 2001)

March 24, 2001
I WAS TOLD BY BARIATRIC TREATMENT CENTER (AFTER TWO WEEKS YOU MAY BEGIN TO TAKE TUB BATHS AND GET INTO A LAKE OR POOL. YOU MAY NOT BEGIN ANY ACTUAL SWIMMING UNTIL AFTER YOUR 6-WEEK VISIT.
   — KERRI W.

March 24, 2001
I had open RNY on 2/8/2000, took my first bath on my second day home. Was just told to pat the steristrips across the incision dry and not to worry if they came off. Of course, I couldn't do much bathing, but my sister was taking care of me and she did the scrubbing for me.
   — Connie G.

August 8, 2002
My doctor said the bath was okay but to avoid hot tubs and jaccuzzis due to the bacteria that usually thrive in those environments. I took a bath 1 week post op and did fine. I did call for my husband to spot me when I got out though just to make sure I didn't slip or get light headed from the hot water.
   — Laurel C.

July 9, 2003
I think a bath would be more difficult because of the strain of lifting your weight out of the water. I was afraid to take a shower until the staples were taken out. I used "Comfort Personal Cleaning Washcloths." You just toss them in the microwave and wipe yourself down. They even have them for your hair.
   — Linda R.