Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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erika82203 07/14/2013

So in the past day or so, my lower incisions (2 of the 5 total) have become VERY itchy. At first I just chalked it up to scabbing/etc. But now they are getting a red zone around them. No pain...just itchy...and a little warm to the touch. I put a little pen mark around them to see if the zone expands. I figure if its still like that tomorrow I will call doctor and see what they say. I hate to run off to medical for no reason.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

mia0918tn 07/14/2013

My Nurse practitioner said to put a quarter on it and if it has red outside of the quarter then it is time to worry.

imjj4short 07/14/2013

Itchy is totally normal. A little red is normal. Hot to the touch, however, is usually a sign of infection.

Does your surgeon have an after hours number you can call? Perhaps he/she could call in an antibiotic and save you the trip to the dr. I believe I was on antibiotics after my surgery.

JJ

erika82203 07/14/2013

Thanks, all. Think I'll give a call tomorrow and see what they can do. I'd rather not go in (dr office is about 30 min away). I know, that sounds lazy...but if its a "simple fix" it would be nice. :0)

Pam2011 07/14/2013

Call you surgeon to be safe!

deleted_user 07/14/2013

I have to agree with everyone, call your surgeon, an infection can turn into a big ugly pretty fast if not treated.

erika82203 07/15/2013

Just to update you guys...
Went to doctor today. My incisions are not infected. I'm just having a slight allergic reaction to the dermabond they used to close my incisions. So...aside from the redness and itching, all is well. They til me I could use some Benadryl topical cream if I felt the need, but for the most part I just have to wait it out.

mia0918tn 07/15/2013

so glad to hear that it is not infected! How long will it take for the dermabond to wear off?

erika82203 07/15/2013

No idea Mia...hopefully not too much longer. I got for my "official" post-op on Monday (a week from today). They said it should be good to go by then.

imjj4short 07/16/2013

Thanks for the update and I'm glad it wasn't an infection!!

JJ

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