Question:
Risk of infection? Went to the pool 4.5 weeks post op. Open RNY

Hi. Went swimming, or should I say "relaxful wading" at the pool today. I did not exert myself, but my incision is recently closed and not completely healed. There are a few spots that were scabbed over and I put supposedly water proof bandaids over those areas. Well, needless to say the coverings were not "all that" and the worst area near my navel got completely wet. I was in the water for about half hour at a "clean", uncrowded public pool. What do you think is the risk of infection? The water felt great and actually seemed to help my incision. Has anyone had a problem with this? Comments please! How much should I worry?    — Lisa N. (posted on June 25, 2000)

June 25, 2000
I went swimming at my daughters birthday party shortly after my open vbg. My surgeon said as long as the staples were out everything should be fine. Try putting neosporin on it if it will help ease your mind some.
   — Kim N.

June 26, 2000
Lisa , I had surgery the same day as you , and have been swimming at a public pool for 2 weeks now. I have had no problems with infection , and I have one spot that isn't closed. My surgeon told me the chlorine would act as a disinfectant.It will be fine. Good luck on the weight loss, I did my one month weigh in and am at 42 pounds
   — Heather T.

June 8, 2001
I HAD MY RNY DONE ON 4-10-01 AND MY SURGEON SUGGEST SWIMMING. HE SAID THE CHLORINE WILL ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR IT...I HAD A OPEN AREA THAT HAD JUST FINISHED DRAINING AND WAS STARTING TO HEAL. BUT I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS AND I SWIM 2-3 TIMES A WEEK....GOOD LUCK
   — kelly S.