Help! When do you take bandages off after laparoscopy?

[Rhi23]

Hi all, had my first laparoscopy on Friday just gone and I can't remember at all what was said about taking the 3 bandages off and caring for wounds. I'm scared to take them off and don't know who to ask! Does anyone know? Don't feel ready to take off at all. thank you

[Plum234]

Hi, do you mind me asking how you are recovering? I am due to have my first one in May and am very uneducated on what to expect etc. Rest up

[Rhi23 in reply to Plum234]

Hi! I have been fine. I have eaten good food for recovery lots of tumeric and ginger and no sugar - in my mind that has helped!

I've not been brave enough to have a shower yet or change bandages.

My body is warning me to keep things away from my belly so listen to that. If you work and are able to work from home I would recommend that for before for a few days and after. I do office work and I've been sitting in a comfy chair for work at home and wouldn't be able to work at a table.

[SVGee]

I took mine off after 48 hours. I had a shower and they got a bit wet so I changed them for fresh ones after. They told me not to change them too much as it increases risk of infection but do change it if they get really wet or for any reason your wounds are seeping and you can see it through the plaster. Hope that helps. Have a shower though, you’ll feel so much better xx

[Completer40]

Hi, I've had a few and I seem to remember feeling ready to take them off around day 10. There's no rush though. Take them off when you're ready. Hope you recover quickly x

[Deniz96]

Hi, i had mine on Monday and had my 1st dressing changed in hospital before being discharged. Whenever it gets wet need to change it. After 2 changes it doesn’t need a dressing needs to heal on its own but you will still need to be very careful.

[Rhi23]

Oh gosh! I took one off and the strips are still on though. They didn't give me any thing to change it to. I found a note I wrote when had just come round (although I can't remember writing) that says I can take bandage off after 5th day and leave strips on, its now been 7 days. 🤢 thanks for the help everyone!

[Tttt4444]

I was told to take them off the next day when I showered in the shower and use soap and water to wash them off…..I was told to wash the wounds daily in the shower but never to use another dressing after the first….mine healed great….someone said ten days I wouldn’t leave dirty bandages for ten days u will get an infection