Question:
What type of bandages and other types of medical supplies will I need?
Are there any supplies I should pick up pre-op that I will need have on hand to keep my incision clean etc? — Kay S. (posted on July 5, 2002)
July 5, 2002
My mom just had her open RNY 2 weeks ago...and this is what I suggested she
have at home for medical supplies: Hydrogen peroxide (to clean the
incision and G-tube site), Q-tips, gauze pads (great for putting under your
bra when you're ready to wear it, as the bra will irritate the incision),
first-aid tape (to keep the G-tube from swinging around too much, also to
hold the gauze in place), and I think that was about it. I'm sure there
will be more suggestions coming!!!
— Becky H.
July 5, 2002
Another suggestion...besides cleaning your incision, you will probably want
some triple antibiotic cream and maybe some Vitamin E capsules (prick the
capsule and put the oil on the wound) to help heal up that scar better. I
have also stocked up on some really good skin firming lotion to hopefully
keep my skin in good condition and keep the sagging to a minimum (I am
hoping not to need a tummy tuck) Once you heal up, get some Maderma. I
tried it on my old appendicitis scar and it works great.
— Laurie V.
July 5, 2002
I had some sterile gauze pads and surgical tape for any areas of my
incisions (I had lap) that were oozing or bleeding a little bit and for
when I got the JP drain out, that wound--just to keep my clothing clean. I
also got Neosporin. That stuff works great in keeping wounds clean and
free of infection, plus it helps with scarring too. I am using it on my TT
incisions now. Also, if you are still prone to "monthly visitor"
make sure you have ample supplies of that stuff on hand...anesthesia does
weird stuff to you and you don't want to be caught with your pants down, so
to speak. Take care and good luck
~CAE~
— Mustang
July 5, 2002
Make sure you take any supplies in your room before you go home - you are
definitely paying for them! I had lots of regular gauze, drain gauze, and
tape left from the hospital and this got me through without having to buy
any additional. Later, I used neosporin, q-tips, and peroxide several times
a day. I also started using the extra large band-aid type bandages once I
stopped having any drainage (after a few days). These were much easier to
apply myself, the gauze and tape I had to have help with.
— sheltie
July 6, 2002
My surgeon forbids his patients to use tape. His theory is that if retards
healing and can actually cause infections. I had open RNY and there was
tape on the bandage when they changed it the morning after surgery - never
after that. The nurses covered the incision with large surgical pads and
then held them in place with the abdominal binder. After my staples were
removed, I had one little place near my navel open up and drain and he had
me use either feminine pads or white wash cloths on it held in place by the
binder. This worked wonders for me as I am allergic to tape and I had no
problems after the surgery with raw, irritated skin.
When I left the hospital, my incision wasn't draining at all so until the
small spot opened up, I didn't have to use any bandages. The place that
opened healed in about4 days - was no big deal but it did frighten me when
it happened.
— Patty_Butler
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