Question:
I know the c-section vs RNY has been covered before...but...

I have some questions...For those of you who have commented earlier on the pain of a c-section as compared to either Open or Lap RNY, I would like to know if your RNY pain was worse, are you much older now? More overweight than when you had a C-section? ...And if your situation compares to mine, I would really appreciate your input...I had a c-section 2 years ago, and I only weigh about 15 pounds more now than I did then. I was able to stop at the store on the way home, and the pain was under control with Tylenol for the first few days. After about a week I felt totally back to normal. I am about 300 pounds now, and pending insurance approval, I will be having Lap RNY in the middle of August. Anyway, I am hoping that it goes as well as my C-section, but would like to hear your opinions on it before having my husband start planning his time off...and making arrangements for my mom to come and help out. Thanks!! :)    — Cher B. (posted on July 9, 2003)

July 9, 2003
I've had 3 c-sections, and all of them had different pain levels. My first one was pretty painful, but tolerable. My 2nd one was the easiest. I had little pain after the first 3 days. I was back to work, with the baby, at 2 weeks. My third one was AWFUL. It hurt worse than anything I've ever had done, but it was mostly due to a tape allergy. I got big blisters all over my incision. I cried for about 6 weeks. Anyway, I've also had a hernia repair and a tubal. I went home that night! It was SO easy! My lap RNY wasn't that painful either. In fact, when I came home from the hospital, I didn't need my pain medication, except to get to sleep. So... I guess my point is that all surgeries in the same general area can be different. But, I bet you'll be just fine! I was more sore than anything. I wasn't really in pain. In fact, the day I went home, we stopped at the mall so I could get some stuff from GNC. I LOOKED bad, but I felt ok. ;)
   — Diana L.

July 9, 2003
Hi, I had 2 c-section (1991 and 1994) and had Lap RNY on 4/21/03. The c-sections were a TON worse than the RNY. Just remember this is major surgery, do what you are told my your dr's and nurses and you will be fine. Ask for your pain meds in the hospital when you are due (keep an eye on the clock) because they really wont offer them to you unless you ask - this will make your recovery alot quicker because you will be able to walk the halls and go to the bathroom on your own which will get the anesthetics out of your system quicker and your road to recovery quicker! Best of luck always - Kim 11 weeks out - down 61 lbs!
   — Kimberly B.

July 9, 2003
I had a c-section in 93 after 21 hours of intense labor (weight 335). I mention that because they figured it was the length of my labor that wore me out and made me highly susceptible to infections (which I had and was miserable) and took forever to heal. My open-RNY was a breeze compared to that! However, my c-section in 94 (15 months later and weighing 357)!) was scheduled and was a breeze - much easier than my RNY. So it really depends on many things more than just weight. I weighed 425 when I had my RNY but I'd do it before that long labor and slow heal of the first c-section. I'd suggest you plan on help out. YOu can always cancel the help if you find you don't need it. I know my hubby's job would have welcomed him back early if I'd not have needed him and saved him some sick leave.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 9, 2003
Hi, I had 3 c-sections. I had less after pain with the wls then with c-section and I did not have a baby to take care of as well :) I had a hysterectomy(trashed the spelling I think)in 2001 and it was way worse pain wise then wls. My incision is 9 inches and I came home in 3 days with no pain meds.I walked alot. Good Luck to you. Autumn
   — Autumn

July 9, 2003
I'm had surgery three months ago. I had two previous c-sections (in '87 & '89) and had a hysterectomy in 2000. When they did the hysterectomy they opened me up the same way as the c-sections. All three of those surgeries were very similar in pain, with the first one being a little more painful as I did not know what to expect. Weighed about the same, maybe 15 lbs heavier now than when I had the hysterectomy. I have to say the WLS was by far the least painful of all four surgeries. I was up and out of bed going to the bathroom by myself just hours after surgery. To me, the physical part of the surgery and recovery has been a peice of cake - it ws the head hunger and nausea in the beginning that was the worst! Barb 4/07/03 235/180/126-130
   — Barbara C.

July 9, 2003
Hi Cher - thought I'd throw my .02 in here. Had my c-section in 94 after about 20 hours of labor. Getting up and out of bed was the hardest part though walking was difficult too. 24 hours after surgery made a HUGE difference. Was getting up and down easier, walking easier. Was discharged 24 hours after surgery. Open gastric bypass surgery in 2001. OUCH! I had a few complications that made recovery a little tougher. Spent 5 days in the hospital. Once I started getting up and walking it helped but the 5 days in the hospital are really kind of hazy to me now. Pain level was much higher than following c-section but a lot of that pain I attribute to the complications. I had an abdominal hernia repair 3 months ago. Pain level there was about comparable to the c-section. Hardest thing was getting out of the bed the first time! Weight at time of c-section - about 230, at WLS - about 275, at hernia - 160. Everybody handles pain differently. Personally, I think with good pain medication you can keep your pain level under control and have minimal problems. It's a good idea to have help after WLS. My hubby couldn't get time off but my teenage daughter was there to help for the first few days at home. After she went back to school I was on my own but by then I felt MUCH better. I went grocery shopping by myself just a few days after coming home and did fine -- I didn't do any lifting - had a young bagger carry my bags and load them for me. I did unload 2 small bags at home by myself (perishable stuff). I left the rest of the stuff in the car until hubby and kids got home. I agree that following doctor's orders is vey helpful. If they tell you no lifting - don't. Take frequent breaks to keep your energy level up. Take it slow at the beginning and build up slowly. Best of Luck.
   — Pam S.

July 9, 2003
I had two c-sections in '91 & '94 and weighed very close to my RNY weight each time. I had much more pain with the lap RNY than with either of the c-sections but just in the first 2 days. It did not last long and by day 5-6 I was only taking Tylenol as needed.My husband went back to work on my 4th or 5th day out and I was fine. Tired but fine. I will say that I was shocked by the pain as I had heard that after two c-sections it would be a breeze.
   — Carol S.

July 9, 2003
Hi. I had three c sections, 1990, 1992, and 1994. I was not on any pain meds when I came home from any of them and was only a little lighter then I am now. I had my Lap RNY on June 25. The pain is different. Although I was up and walking 4 hours after my wls surgery, I had to push myself to do it. I was on Toridal and another pain med in the hospital and still felt a little uncomfortable. I came home and used a pain med for the first few days but haven't really had to use much since. I don't want to scare you, everyone is different. I just don't want you to go in like I did and expect it to be the same.
   — Nancy S.

July 9, 2003
Just to let you know Cher, you are not alone. I had my c-section 2 and a half years ago (my little boy is so cute...) and am only about 30lbs heavier now. After nearly 40 hours of horrifing labor they FINALLY said we needed to do a c-section. NOTHING on this earth could be as painful as the labor I endured. The c-section pain was nothing. The only pain I had was a little pinching sensation if I got up to fast. I am praying that my Lap-RNY will be as good as the c-section. Heck, even if its it more painful, it will be nothing compared to the labor which I recall so vidily. Don't worry to much about something you can't control. Just tell yourself it will be a breeze and don't be scared to take the pain meds!
   — Renee B.

July 10, 2003
I had asked the same question on the Illinois message board on 6/10 (Any Complications?) and here is the response I received: Estela - I have had both a c-section and LAP RNY. And the c-section was WAY worse! I mean, not only is the inscision the other direction (across the muscles) they then sent me home a day and 1/2 later with a 10lb baby to handle. My LAP RNY - I was able to hang out in the hospital for an extra day or so (total of 4) and when I got home I was the "baby" to be cared for! :) Now I can't speak for an Open RNY - but to me, the Lap is the way to go! My surgeon is Dr. Heydari, and he operates out of NIMC in McHenry and Woodstock - I highly recommend him and his program. No matter which program you choose - be sure you feel comfortable with the dr. You will need to be able to talk with him/her about everything regarding your on-going health. Good Luck! Hope this helps. Estela (1st consult 11/19)
   — vllgmz4

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