pain

I'm 5 days post op from having laparoscopic rny gastric bypass surgery, I still have pain on the left side. I'm starting to stand up more erect, but I literally have to hold my stomach flap up with both my hands so that I don't feel this pull when I walk. Even getting into bed I have to hold my stomach so that it won't jiggle too much... Is this normal?

 Did you already have your follow up check up from your surgeon?

 The pain you are describing is very normal for laproscopic RNY surgery.  The left side incision or 'port' is the largest one to accommodate the stapling instrument they insert to make our pouch.  It has to go through a lot of muscle to get to the stomach which is why it hurts so much and is the last incision site to fully heal.  Try a heating pad it may help and feel good.

Call your surgeon and ask them for a binder.  It wraps around your belly and holds everything in. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask the nurse there if that would be okay for them to get for your or you could have them perscribe one and pick it up at a local medical supply/pharmacy.  

Good luck, congratulations and welcome to the losers bench!!!!!!!

Mallisa

I have my post op appointment tomorrow. I'm going to inquire about that binder. I'm out of Lortab and have been taking Tylenol Extra Strength. I'm a Aleve believer, but since I can't have any NSAIDs...oh well. I also place a cold pack across the port site to help with the swelling. I do feel better as each day goes by. I haven't cried in a couple of days.  I'm walking tall and using 1 hand instead of 2 to control the stomach jiggle!!!  Thank you for the suggestions and explaination.

Good luck on your post apointment, so, whatever the doctor says, share it with us :)

Made it to my appointment yesterday. The doctor explained to me that the reason I'm in pain is because that is the port site for using the stapler. They have to through muscle which makes a nice sized hole so the stapler can get through. Once the stapling is done, the hole is then sewn shut and the muscle is sewn together. (double stitching) Ouch!  So when I walk, sit or bend, the stitches are pulling. He says that I'm a little swollen, but it's going to take some tme to heal. I inquired about a binder and he informed me that those are usually given to patients that had an open gastric bypass not laparoscopic.

He prescribed more Lortab for the pain. I think I did too much yesterday with all the driving and walking. I'm in more pain today than yesterday. Today I'm moving in slooooow motion.

I think you really have to be fully recovered so everything would get back to normal. You can move like before and wont feel any pain :)