Who changes the bandages?

Do I wait for the doctor visits to change it? Or Do I change it every day? Should I stock up on bandages and tape? What kind?
(I realize these questions may sound kinda dumb, but I'm clueless!)

I had a TAH on Jan 17, 2005 and did not have any bandages at all. The only thing I had on my belly was a ice pack. Hope this helps.
diana d

Hello, my michigan friends I too did not have any bandages. Once they took the staples out on day 3 for me, they replaced with the sterile strips which will come off there self or the doc will take them off at 3 weeks visit.
Karen
Brrrr....isn't it cold out?

Since I had a vertical abdominal incision, I had a railroad track of staples from naval to pubis, smiling up at me every time I looked down (to mix a metaphor).

I guess they want it to breathe!

After the staples were taken out (5-7 days) the doc put on steri-strips, which you just leave on until they fall off.

Same here, no bandages. Just steri strips over the incision that fall off on their own (or with a little help from me once they were no longer attached to the incision). I had TAH/BSO, bikini cut with degradable stitches. Looked like they glued me back together.

Rosie

hello back Michigan friend
I did not even have staples. I have internal stitches the only thing that can be seen is the tail end of the stitches on one side a pull string I guess.

Thanks for all the replies. I had an (emergency) apendectomy. They stitched me up and sent me home without any instructions EXCEPT to see my doctor - who was too busy to see me for a month! I'm glad I found this site as it provides a great deal of information (and support)! So far I've downloaded 1/2 dozen important things and put them in a 3 ring binder which I'll keep by me - no computer at home (the checkpoints are especially good).

I had a TAH/panniculectomy. I had dressings that needed to be changed twice a day for several weeks, and dh did it for me.

I think by the end I may as well have purchased stock in the company that makes all the bandages.....