Question:
What type of bandages and other types of medical supplies will I need?

Are there any supplies I should pick up pre-op that I will need have on hand to keep my incision clean etc?    — Kay S. (posted on July 5, 2002)

July 5, 2002
My mom just had her open RNY 2 weeks ago...and this is what I suggested she have at home for medical supplies: Hydrogen peroxide (to clean the incision and G-tube site), Q-tips, gauze pads (great for putting under your bra when you're ready to wear it, as the bra will irritate the incision), first-aid tape (to keep the G-tube from swinging around too much, also to hold the gauze in place), and I think that was about it. I'm sure there will be more suggestions coming!!!
   — Becky H.

July 5, 2002
Another suggestion...besides cleaning your incision, you will probably want some triple antibiotic cream and maybe some Vitamin E capsules (prick the capsule and put the oil on the wound) to help heal up that scar better. I have also stocked up on some really good skin firming lotion to hopefully keep my skin in good condition and keep the sagging to a minimum (I am hoping not to need a tummy tuck) Once you heal up, get some Maderma. I tried it on my old appendicitis scar and it works great.
   — Laurie V.

July 5, 2002
I had some sterile gauze pads and surgical tape for any areas of my incisions (I had lap) that were oozing or bleeding a little bit and for when I got the JP drain out, that wound--just to keep my clothing clean. I also got Neosporin. That stuff works great in keeping wounds clean and free of infection, plus it helps with scarring too. I am using it on my TT incisions now. Also, if you are still prone to "monthly visitor" make sure you have ample supplies of that stuff on hand...anesthesia does weird stuff to you and you don't want to be caught with your pants down, so to speak. Take care and good luck ~CAE~
   — Mustang

July 5, 2002
Make sure you take any supplies in your room before you go home - you are definitely paying for them! I had lots of regular gauze, drain gauze, and tape left from the hospital and this got me through without having to buy any additional. Later, I used neosporin, q-tips, and peroxide several times a day. I also started using the extra large band-aid type bandages once I stopped having any drainage (after a few days). These were much easier to apply myself, the gauze and tape I had to have help with.
   — sheltie

July 6, 2002
My surgeon forbids his patients to use tape. His theory is that if retards healing and can actually cause infections. I had open RNY and there was tape on the bandage when they changed it the morning after surgery - never after that. The nurses covered the incision with large surgical pads and then held them in place with the abdominal binder. After my staples were removed, I had one little place near my navel open up and drain and he had me use either feminine pads or white wash cloths on it held in place by the binder. This worked wonders for me as I am allergic to tape and I had no problems after the surgery with raw, irritated skin. When I left the hospital, my incision wasn't draining at all so until the small spot opened up, I didn't have to use any bandages. The place that opened healed in about4 days - was no big deal but it did frighten me when it happened.
   — Patty_Butler