Question:
I will most likely have an OPEN VGB or RNY--How does it look

Is there anything to do to lessen the appearence, and how long is it painful after surgery? thanks...    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 23, 1999)

October 22, 1999
Hello. I had open proximal RNY on 7-29-99. My scar begins at just above the bottom of my bra and extends to my belly button. I always form keloid, so my scar is quite a sight, but I wear it with pride, becuase I've lost more than 65 pounds in the 12 weeks since my surgery! I say "who cares how it looks! I'm ALIVE!!!!!" Good luck. Jaye Carl
   — Jaye C.

October 23, 1999
Hi, I had open RnY one month ago. I posted a photo of my incision on my web site, along with a bunch of other stuff. If you want to see it, click on my name, then click on my web site address at the top of the page. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

October 23, 1999
There are several over the counter products which are supposed to help minimize scarring. There are creams and also a type of dressing.Some people swear by vitamin E oil. You might want o check out books about natural remidies at the library or health food store.
   — Fran B.

October 23, 1999
Hi--I had open RNY 3.5 months ago. I never took pain meds after being in the hospital, and only took 2 Tylenol after coming home, so I didn't have a lot of pain. I had to be careful not to bump into things, though--for instance, when I'd get a glass of water from the sink, it hurt if I pushed up against the sink (and with my big stomach, it was hard not to). The scar is about 8 inches long and it is pretty much healed now, is only touchy occasionally. Its still pretty pink and noticable, but I'm having a tummy tuck next year and I think it'll be "moved" so it won't show so much. Honestly, I don't care if it shows forever--I'm losing weight (68 pounds so far) and I feel great! Good luck to you.
   — charlene M.

October 25, 1999
hi. i had surgery on aug 11th. my scar is and has been pretty red/purple although it is fading fast. i did have an infection and had to be reopened and that looks good too. i am not worried about how my scar will look because it is a sign of what i have done and i will always remember how much better i feel because of it. good luck
   — julie S.

October 26, 1999
I had some serious pain in the hospital but really minimal pain after going home. I only took pain meds for like 2 days after going home. I'm 6 weeks postop, and my scar is really fading. It is pink, a thin line, about 3.5 inches long. This was for an open RNY. My surgeon is a petite woman with very small hands! She uses steri-strips on the incision instead of staples so you get minimal scarring.
   — [Deactivated Member]