Question:
The differing sizes of incisions.

What's the smallest number of staples a person can have? and what's the maximum?    — blank first name B. (posted on December 29, 2001)

December 29, 2001
Following my lap RNY, I had six tiny incisions scattered across my upper abdomen, approximately 1/2" long, covered with small strips of tape....no sutures, no staples. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

December 29, 2001
I had an open rny, my incision is 3 1/2 inches long and I was closed with 17 staples. I don't think this is bad at all. I've heard of people with less staples than that and certainly of people with many more. Some doctors don't use staples at all, some suture and some use steri-strips. And of course, lap is a whole other thing, I doubt staples are used at all in that procedure. I'm perfectly happy with how everything in my surgery went, but today is 20 days of walking around with these staples and I have to say I'm really looking forward to getting them out on Thursday! That was a big surprize..how long my doctor keeps them in. But, small price to pay, in my humble opinion :). Good Luck!
   — Donna L.

December 30, 2001
My surgeon said he cuts from the bottom of the sternum to just above the belly button. At three days post-op I discovered I was cut from between my breasts to inside of my belly button. I was shocked because although I am big, I wasn't a very large person. I weighed in at 222 the day of surgery. I ended up with 38 staples. I'm not happy with the incision but I'm still going to wear a bikini just the same when I get to a point that I look decent in one. Good luck to you!
   — Tiffany A.

December 30, 2001
hi, i beleive i had about 20 stables there may have been a few more but thats it... the incision isnt very long its from my breast bone half way down my tummy i even have pictures if you like to see them must let me know...my surgeon likes to make the cut as small as he can..he did a good job in my opinion..good luck
   — Deanna Wise

December 30, 2001
My incision was just over 7 inches long (Open RNY). No staples - just taped shut. After about two weeks, the tape came off by itself and I'm going to have a VERY tiny scar line. Ask your surgeon if staples are NECESSARY. I found the tape to be MUCH more comfortable, no removal required, and the scar is going to be MUCH less noticeable in a year's time....I'm 20 days post op, down 23 lbs and 25 inches..!! GOOD LUCK
   — Diane E.

December 30, 2001
First surgery....51 staples....Second surgery....no staples. I had internal sutures and surgical glue. I had a terrible time with the first one. It was leaking and didn't completely close for 4 mos! Second one is thin line and no problems whatsoever. Much better with glue!
   — Marilyn C.

December 30, 2001
I had 43 staples and about 30 sutures. I was cut from the top of my breasts to my belly button. I was shocked when I looked down to see! I was only 262! Apparently when I was opened up I had a big hernia so they sliced up high. I am still proud of my scar and will wear it as a badge of honor! Amy
   — purdue_1993