Question:
How long do you have to wait to talke a shower after open RNY?

   — Stephanie S. (posted on July 5, 2002)

July 5, 2002
I had my open RNY surgery last Wednesday, June 26th. Friday morning was my first shower. You can scrub all over your body, under your arms, breasts, sides, etc, and let shampoo and soap fall on your tummy, but was not allowed to directly scrub the area. I did not have stitches, or steri-strips though. Dermabond "superglue" was the method used by the surgeon to close my wound [plus internal stitches of course.] I am still washing around the area, letting water and soap fall on my incision. I am healing amazingly well with no problems. Your mileage may vary, according to which type of stitches, steristrips, or methods used to close the wound.
   — C. C.

July 5, 2002
I had my surgery on a Thursday, was able to shower at the hospital on Saturday - luckily my mom was there and they let her help me into the shower. She washed me just like when I was little (when was that???) - I managed to do my own rear though lol. You cannot imagine how much better I felt to be "clean" - before that I felt grimy - like I was camping or something awful like that!!
   — Kim A.

July 5, 2002
I had surgery on a tuesday morning and was in the shower wednesday am bright and early. They had a shower chair in the bathroom so I was very comfy!~
   — Sassy M.

July 6, 2002
Hi...I had open RnY on a Thursday morning and took a shower (by myself) still in the hospital, on Saturday. I had staples in my incision so I avoided even touching that area. I washed my hair and felt like a new person. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 6, 2002
I had my open RNY on Thursday, November 29. At 5:30 the next morning, the nurses awoke me to take a shower. My surgeon insists that his patients shower and wash the incision area with Hibiclens every day post-op while in the hospital. Then, after discarge from the hospital, you are to shower daily with some good anti-bacterial soap like Dial. By the way, his patients almost never get infections in their incisions. I looked forward to my shower every day even though it was painful to get into the shower (I had injured my knee and getting into the shower was not easy).
   — Patty_Butler

July 7, 2002
I was told by the nurse's aides that I could shower 2 days post-op, but the doc never wrote the order, so I waited until I got home (5 days later, ew!) What a great feeling to finally be refreshed, although it's not easy with the open RNY to bend and twist to reach the tough spots. Your "private parts" will be the hardest, so I suggest a wet towel or long handled loofa. Good Luck!
   — Kelly C.

July 7, 2002
I took a shower on Day 5 after my Lap RNY. No problem.
   — Kathy J.

July 7, 2002
I had my first shower in the hospital, two days after open RNY. OH BOY DID IT FEEL WONDERFUL!! That nursing assistant was so kind and patient! I'll never forget it!
   — cjtich