Question:
Incision pain...

I had LapBand Surgery on Friday 1/23/09 and my incisions seem to be the thing that hurts me the most. I've never had surgery of any kind before, and never had any tip of stitches so I'm not sure if this is completely normal or not. I expect there to be pain there, considering they cut me open and then glued it back up. (They used this nail polish like glue over the incisions rather than staples or stitches) I'm so nervous about breaking open incisions or hurting them in any way, probably overly cautious since this is all new to me. Can anyone who has had Lapband tell me how they felt 4 days after surgery? My incisions are a little red, but nothing more than I would expect as it's literally the seams that are red, and I have 5 incisions (4 small and 1 port). It seems like the port one hurts the most. Am I just over worrying? Also, any tips on how to alleviate the pain? I have liquid percocet, but I'm not too fond of it since it knocks me out at only 1 tsp :( Would it be better to use a heating pad, or to ice my stomach for relief? (Also for the gas relief) Currently I just keep a pillow up against my stomach and it seems to simmer things down a little. Thanks in advance for the help guys and gals!    — kelbeth83 (posted on January 27, 2009)

January 26, 2009
I didn't have the Lapband, I had the Roux-en-Y and abdominoplasty, so I do know a little about pain. The ports do hurt the most. The best advice I can give you is to move them as little as possible. Tape, tape, tape. Keep them stable, but not stiff. Just remember that the physical discomfort you feel now, at least for me, was the end, of a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Really, it was like a funeral to the emotional pain I had gone through since childhood of being overweight. Though at the time it hurt physically. It won't last long. Just do what you can. If something makes it feel better, and the doctor is ok with it, do it, but always, and I mean always check with your surgeon first especially with heat or ice. Gas relief? Let it pass, you have to or you will just get worse. I had surgery 10-18-06 and I still have gas. That is just something you will have. The pillow, was the best thing I could find. I took it everywhere with me. I walked with it, if I coughed, it was my best friend. Best wishes, and keep up a good spirit. The pain will go away quicker than you know, and then life really begins. Watch out, because you are on your way to a wonderful life.
   — janeyleaj2

January 26, 2009
What you're feeling is totally "normal". They most likely did put stitches in with the glue. Mine were under the skin stitches with the glue. They also put "steri-strips" on top of the glue. Your port incision is going to be the worst one...mine was, at least. I would advise you to take the pain medicine they gave you. My pharmasist told me to take mine about 30 minutes before the scheduled time, so I could "stay on top of the pain". It's going to hurt a lot more for a lot longer if you don't take the medicine on a schedule. It takes longer to get the pain to go away after you're in a lot of pain. I did, also use a heating pad on my belly, because it felt like my muscles were spasming. It did seem to help. I also used Gas-X thin strips for the gas, which helped some. What helped the most, though, was walking. It was really snowy and slick outside, so I walked back and forth through the house. The more I was up and walking the better I felt. At times,even just standing up felt better than sitting or laying in the recliner chair. I think you might be worrying too much. Just be sure to use your incentive spirometer (if they sent one home with you), take your medicines that they sent you home with, sip on your liquids, and sleep! That's your job right now. Pretty simple job, huh? Also, don't hesitate to call your doctor. Don't worry about asking them "a dumb question", because the only dumb question is the one that is not asked. Think of it this way, too. You are paying them to answer your questions..big or small. Best of luck. Remember..it will get better.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 26, 2009
Hi I had RYN in July the incesion on the left will be the worst this is where they go in and out and move the camera so much and after words alot of stitches on the inside, not sure what the other person was talking about tape? they closed me the same as you and if the doc never said to put dressing including tape do not do it, I put nothing had no draining etc. I did use heat on my sides my back low over incesions but becareful and ice I used when needed on L side I took a reg folding chair in the shower and took 2 or 3 showers a day just sitting their letting the hot water run over my tummy made me feel so much better, remember to walk as much as possible, don't worry about ripping it open it is a possibility of a few stitches inside and as I did I stretched the stitches on the l side turning over and getting up the wrong way takes about a good long week to feel better. I also used a ace bandage to wrap around me kind of to hold things in place for support when I was on outings just loosley helped alot. Hope this helps I wish u the best Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

January 26, 2009
What you are feeling is normal...I had lapband but I had stitches underneath that will disovle and I had the glue on top with steristrips...I used a pillow to press on my stomach when I got out of bed...I took the pain meds at night to sleep...there was pain in the incisions but it subsided with time...I took liquid tylenol for the pain so that I would fall to sleep...I wanted to ice my incisions but I just didnt...I dont think that heat will help...It takes about 10 days to feel back to yourself...I wish you all the luck in the world and Congrats on your recent banding...
   — sweetmarie1

January 26, 2009
All I can do is support the answers already posted. I don't believe you're in any danger of rupturing your incision. A quick call to your surgeon's office might bolster you with the knowledge there are internal sutures that will disolve over time. I don't believe you heal as well or as quickly trying to forego pain medication. If the Percocet makes you too sleepy, (and there's nothing wrong with a fair amount of sleep at this point), then take a half dose, again, call your doctor and ask for a different pain med. Putting the pillow against your incision until you're more secure and in less pain is great, in my opinion. I've had an ectopic pregnancy, with hip-to-hip incision. I had to do the same thing....also, whenever I coughed, which was something I was told to do in connection with clearing my lungs after general anesthesia. Finally, about the gas, my recommendation would be to walk, walk, walk, and walk some more. If you're home, and the weather's lousy make yourself a path through the house. Then, try to force yourself to belch every chance you get.
   — jjames-thomas

January 27, 2009
I had lap band surgery 6-6-08. I didn't have a much pain as you seem to have at the port site. I did use my pillow and I walked slowly at first and that really did help a lot. It will get so much better and I welcome you to the Losers Club. You will love your new life. I want you to know that you might get a bit discouraged if you don't lose the weight as fast as those who had the RnY, but keep pushing forward. Make sure you get in your protein and exercise. The band is only a tool and it will work if you put in the sweat equity. Good luck and I hope the pain goes away soon. My Dr. told me if I had any questions to call his office and someone would be able to answer any questions I might have or any concerns. Make sure you take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Susan
   — susangielda06

January 27, 2009
Normal- I had Lap=Band on 9-12-07. How about adult strength liquid tylenol instead of the percocet? Check with your doctor, but it worked for me. Best Wishes to you- Marlayna
   — MWiley

January 27, 2009

   — tunderhill

January 27, 2009
I concur with most of the responses. I had band surgery on 11-25-08 and I just put bandages over the sites to avoid rubbing on my clothes. I also found a bodyshaper very supportive and it helped with the belly discomfort due to gas-it supported me in a way that was comfortable but not too restrictive. I, too, found the prescription medication too strong, and just took the maximum dose of non-ibuprofen pain reliever instead. I did a LOT of sleeping and laying down in the first 2 weeks to take the pressure off the incisions and belly gas too. The pain and discomfort should only last another couple of days, or a week at most.
   — Barbara I.

January 28, 2009
hey kellie! i had the realize band 12/9/08 and i had the same problems as you do. just to let you know the drs most likely used internal absorbable stitches on the inside and the glue on the outside so i wouldn't worry too much about your incisions opening up. still, take it easy. the port one is so sore because its actually attached to your abdominal muscle so every time you move your going to feel it. my port incision was actually quite sore for at least a week or two. then they start itching because they are healing. as for meds i had oxycodone liquid and i didn't like it much either. i just took tylenol liquid and motrin liquid alternately every 6 hours. hang in there it does get easier. just take your time and let your body heal. everything will fall in to place.
   — cbrooks925

January 28, 2009
I got a band on 12/10/08. Unlike, I've had 2 c-sections and a hysterectomy so the small incisions for the surgery for the labband seemed like nothing-just a few scratches, except the port site. But now, I feel great, no pain at all-except my knee, but that's a totally separate issue. Good luck! You'll feel better soon.
   — merryterry

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