Question:
HOW LONG AFTER SURGERY WILL I BE ABLE TO SWIM AT BEACH

I love the beach and I am having open rny June 30th and I was wondering if anyone knew how long after I would be able to go the beach. I know after my incision has healed but can anyone give me some kind of idea as to how long that may take. I hope not all summer. Thanks in advance for any feedback given.    — jnmcneil (posted on June 4, 2003)

June 3, 2003
Jamie, I live near Cocoa Beach so swimming was something I wanted to return to as quickly as possible. My surgeon said as soon as the wounds were healed I could go swimming. I had a lap proceedure, so my six little incisions healed within three weeks. I know with the open proceedure, it can take a bit longer. Hope this helps!-- Jen, RNY 11/12
   — Mrs. Rich

June 3, 2003
It depends on you, how you heal... and how your incision looks.. and you should get clearance from your surgeon before you swim.
   — Lisa C.

June 3, 2003
After my LBL, my surgeon told me not to swim for 3 months due to risk of infection. Check w/ your surgeon. The open RNY scar will be much smaller. You could still go to the beach as long as you kept your incision dry. My PS also told me not to expose my scars to the sun for at least a year as it will darken them permanently
   — mom2jtx3

June 4, 2003
I had an open rny with 57 staples. My surgeon gave me the go ahead at my 6 week check-up.
   — Sharon H.

June 5, 2003
The advice on keeping your scar out of the sun is a good one. I am an esthetician (skin care specialist), keeping your scar out of the sun and keeping sunscreen on it will diminish the visibility of it down the road. Also, keep is moisturized. Put moisturizer on it everyday!! PS I love the ocean too!
   — lil_bit