Question about Post-op Showering

I just found this board, and I am addicted. I love reading about other people's experiences. It's really giving me peace of mind.

(PART OF MY POST DIDN'T APPEAR! Here is what it should've said...) But I have a question, something that is really weighing heavy on my mind, and I would appreciate if anyone that's post-op could answer. This may sound petty, but of all the things I have to be afraid of (believe it or not) I'm most scared about not showering. Can anyone tell me, in general, how long I'll have to wait to be able to take a complete shower? And what should I do until I can shower? Eeek!

Welcome aboard, I was able to shower the next day...I had Lap RNY...and it felt so good...Different Dr's have different rules...Mine has you up the next day showering, walking ...doing whatever...so it will depend on your Doc, and what type of surgery you have meaning if he does and open or laproscopic procedure...The quicker you are able to get up moving the better...Good Luck... Amy

Hey Cathryn You should be able to get up the next day. I just had the bypass and was able to shower right away. Thoughts and Prayers Melissa

Oh! Gosh, you all make me feel so much better. It seems like I heard somewhere that you can't shower until 4-5 days or a week afterwards!!! Maybe it's just my imagination? Thanks ladies!

I was able to shower before leaving the hospital. It shouldn't be a problem fpr you either.

It wasn't your imagination. Like someone else said it depends on the surgeon and procedure. I had an open procedure and was in the hospital for four days. The surgeon didn't allow me to get in the shower until four days after I left the hospital. Then when I did I had to cover the incision with plastic wrap and keep my back to the shower. Before I was allowed to get in the shower I had to settle for sponge bathing and washing my hair at the sink. Nothing feels as good as that first shower though.

Oh ok. Maybe that's what I'm thinking of. To be honest, I'm kind-of afraid that I'll have to have the open procedure instead of laparoscopic because I'm so heavy. (405 lbs) I really hope not, but thanks for the info.

Cathryn, I had Lap RNY 3 weeks ago with no problem and I was 427lbs. I did lose a little weight before surgery as my Dr. said it would help him give me a safer surgery and lessen the chance of converting to open. I wasn't able to shower until the morning I left the hospital. (Surgery was on Monday, I left Thursday morning.) But it was because I had a PICC line in place of a regular IV and they wouldn't let me shower as long as I had the PICC line in. Chris

Hey Cathryn, Welcome to the boards! Believe it or not, I think I saw you in the surgery-center the other day. I was waiting to see Dr. Steiner and if you're who I think you are, I noticed you while you were waiting too. You were wearing a very pretty skirt and sandles. You're very pretty and I loved the skirt! (If that was you!) I didn't shower at the hospital, but I was able to shower the day I got home. It took about 2 weeks for the tape residue to come off my body, but the shower alone felt marvelous! I relate completely with you about showering; I have to be able to shower--no if ands or buts. Dr. Steiner rocks and he will do an awesome job on you! My incision marks are almost non-existant and I don't expect much, if any, scarring. I was 398lbs. at the time of surgery and he did mine lap. He is an artist and takes his patients very seriously and does whatever he can to make them comfortable, while keeping them safe and healthy. I wish I could express to you my confidence in him and his compassion for what he does. He has restored my faith in doctors and the health care system generally. If it can be done lap, it will be done lap. He and his team, will take great care of you! I hope we can run into each other and say hello! If I see you again, I will; I promise! Take care and if you have any more questions, please feel free to email me. Dee