Question:
Water exercises and swimming

I did water exercises and laps in the pool to tone up for the surgery. I was just wondering how long until I can go swimming again?    — Nancy B. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
That was one of my post op questions too. My doc said that when the incision was healed. The reason was, so bacteria from a pool or lake didn't cause infection in the incision area. You never know what's in a pool or lake that can cause problems.
   — ZZ S.

August 10, 2002
Water aerobics are my favorite exercise. I was back in the pool 2 weeks post op. I did have to take it easy on the resistance exercises for another 4 weeks.
   — phoebe

August 10, 2002
I had open RNY and swam at 4 weeks post-op. My incision got irritated, and looked like it had widened, so I called the nurse. She told me to stay out of the pool for a couple more weeks until the incision was more healed.
   — Jennifer A.

August 10, 2002
My surgeon told me, no swimming or even a bath until 6 weeks. That was really hard, I have a pool in my back yard and had to sit here looking at it.
   — Sharon H.

August 11, 2002
I have to wait at least four weeks or until the incision heals, whichever is longer. I am house sitting for my parents while they are out of the country until Labor Day. They have a beautiful pool that I stare at every day so I can sympathize with you. I also have a brother a mile away with his own pool, my apartment complex has a pool, and in Fort Lauderdale, FL there are some very nice beaches here. I cannot use any of them so believe me, I understand where you are coming from. Just wait patiently because it is better to make sure the incision is completely healed, not to mention the hole where the G Tube was, rather than going in early and getting an infection that may require a return trip to the hospital. Definitely not an option.
   — Lawrence R.

August 11, 2002
My surgeon's program recommends no water aerobics for 6 weeks (even longer if you have wound "issues" like I do). I am totally bummed too as my YMCA membership starts Monday (tomorrow) and I will be 6 weeks on Wednesday. Now I'm packing my wound for a month! AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! If I were you, I'd wait until you get that official approval from your surgeon. - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -45lbs.
   — Anna L.