Open RNY Scar - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Alayna · 11-24-2006, 07:24 PM

My scar became infected (although only slightly) and had to take antibiotics to clear the infection which touch wood, has all cleared. However, rather than it being a nice small straight line of a scar, it has become wider and red. (somebody metioned that this may be tissued skin of something if that makes sense?)

I appreciate I have only been post-op for the past three weeks, but I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same thing happen from open surgery, and also if there is anyone out there who has been out for a little longer who can say if the scar does actually become a white scar, which although is obviously going to be visible, is not something that stands out and especially not to the extent that is does now. It would just be a shame to have a nice body after all this but not to be able to show it off!!!!!

Gina in NY · 11-24-2006, 07:29 PM

I had sutures, not staples, didn't have any infection or problems of any kind actually, so I don't know if my experience would be of any interest.

Most of my scar at 5 months is thin and just pink, but parts of it are a little thicker and red. (I could actually post a photo - but that might be TMI?) I will say, my scar looks great and I expect that at 2 years it will be white and barely visible, but my surgeon did a GREAT job on it.

They say it takes 18 months to 2 years for it to get to it final "look". I've also heard that they can be removed later - like if you have a tummy tuck later, the PS can hide that scar. Don't know what they do to do that!

Good luck!

butterfly2b · 11-24-2006, 09:02 PM

I have had a significant post operative infection in the past, but it wasn't my gastric bypass surgery. (Which is 11 days away

. But post op skin infections are all relatively similar.

I have a 14 inch scar on my back. After the infection it was red and knarly looking, but at a year out it had faded to my normal skin tone and is just a "line."

So my advise is not to worry, what will be will be. Fortunately you are on the healing side of things now! Wishing you a speedy recovery and a glorious weight loss!

Duckie · 11-24-2006, 10:39 PM

Since you've had an infection, if you have ANY question-- call your MD to have them take a look at it!

Alayna · 11-25-2006, 06:35 AM

That makes me feel a little better thanks. I just hate looking at this lumpy red scar and was terrified it didnt become flat and white.

Thanks everyone and good luck to you Butterfly2b for your future op.

x

LQQkn · 11-25-2006, 09:51 AM

my partner had tummy tuck and breast lift (non GBS) but she has a scar from the tuck, and she has been using something called scar zone, and the scar is about 3-4 gone since April. Uses it three times a day. Maybe that might hlep you with your scar... otherwise check with doctor. Janie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alayna

My scar became infected (although only slightly) and had to take antibiotics to clear the infection which touch wood, has all cleared. However, rather than it being a nice small straight line of a scar, it has become wider and red. (somebody metioned that this may be tissued skin of something if that makes sense?)

I appreciate I have only been post-op for the past three weeks, but I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same thing happen from open surgery, and also if there is anyone out there who has been out for a little longer who can say if the scar does actually become a white scar, which although is obviously going to be visible, is not something that stands out and especially not to the extent that is does now. It would just be a shame to have a nice body after all this but not to be able to show it off!!!!!

mssg13marinewife · 11-25-2006, 10:21 AM

I didnt have drains so my cut drained on its own through the open RNY, but i to do not have a little nice cut, its small at the top but as you get closer to my bellybutton, it widens up, cause that were it was draining from. I put vit E oil on it only at night, plus I was told to massage the area to help promote scar tissue build up. I massage the area with a cocco butter lotion, about twice daily. Im stilll tender to the touch, but it will talk about 18 months-2 years they said for it to fade. But I promise you IT WILL FADE!!! -Dawn

coptergirl · 11-25-2006, 10:33 AM

I am 8 months out and it is still pink. I had staples and sutures in it up to the 4 week mark, and until everything came out atthat time I wasn'tallowed to put anything but betadine on it to keep it dry. I had no infections, and now massage vitamin E oil on it every day and it is fading, but is still pink. It is also slightly keloid. I din;t really mind since I wiol be having plastics in the springtime, and will have a new scar anyways

Alayna · 11-26-2006, 04:05 PM

Thanks again for all your info, I will start rubbing those creams into once the swelling has gone down a little bit, but it is nice to know that it will eventually become less and less visible.

x

LisaBoston · 11-26-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alayna

My scar became infected (although only slightly) and had to take antibiotics to clear the infection which touch wood, has all cleared. However, rather than it being a nice small straight line of a scar, it has become wider and red. (somebody metioned that this may be tissued skin of something if that makes sense?)

I appreciate I have only been post-op for the past three weeks, but I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same thing happen from open surgery, and also if there is anyone out there who has been out for a little longer who can say if the scar does actually become a white scar, which although is obviously going to be visible, is not something that stands out and especially not to the extent that is does now. It would just be a shame to have a nice body after all this but not to be able to show it off!!!!!

You can check out my staples and scar at:

Lisa's Story

post#12