Question:
I had my staples removed today and it isn't completely closed, is this normal?

I begged and begged to have my staples removed today because I had such severe pain from them around my belly button. The nurse said that they may not remove them all, but would do something to make me more comfortable. The doctor looked at it all and took all the staples out. Then he put on about six steristrips. I didn't look at it because it is all pretty gross to me and I have never had any type of incision or cut or anything before. Now at home I see that under the strips it isn't completely together! there is about 1/8 inch separation from the two sides that are supposed to be attached! It is a length of about 2 1/2 inches. Now since the doctor put strips there should I assume he saw it? And is this normal? Will they have to restaple me?    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 2, 2001)

May 2, 2001
I had my Open RNY almost 11 months ago and when the Dr. removed the staples and sat me up a HUGE gaping wound popped open! I was shocked also, but he didn't seem to be. Mine was about 3 inches long and really gaping wide. I had to just let it heal open because he said he couldn't restaple it. It was gross and a pain to keep clean and covered, but it healed eventually. My scar is a little bigger there, but not too bad. It was worth it for the 125 ponds I've lost!
   — Shelli M.

March 28, 2002
I had my staples removed a week ago and now have an inch long hole near the top of my incision. The doctor says it's normal. It's gross and disgusting and it doesn't look normal. He says it may open up more. God forbid! I just want it closed!
   — Elizabeth M.