Question regarding post op pain

I had lap RNY and after the surgery, I hardly used the pain button they gave me. They sent me home with lortab elixir on Sunday and by Tuesday, I was done with it. I was also out riding my bike on Tuesday and had no problems with pain. I did experience the bloating for about a week and that was a bit uncomfortable because I had to put the seat back on the car a notch because my stomach was distended. I put it back though and now have it up another notch.

Hi Monte, I'll be 2 weeks post tomorrow and I was amazed by my lack of pain. I used the button in the hospital, but only to not have the pain start. I also did a lot of deep breathing and moving around immediately after. I moved to just Tylenol within a couple of days and that was only for discomfort. I never had pain, mostly just "weird-ness". Good luck! Amy

If you're having an open RNY, you're going to have pain. But you're right, everybody is different and can tolerate pain at different levels. For the most part, I was made comfortable by the hospital staff. It hurt to cough, take a deep breath, sneeze, and get in and out of bed. When I got home, I couldn't sleep in my own bed for about two weeks. It just feels like your insides are being pulled in all directions. If you have a good recliner at home, it helps. Walking makes you sore, but I believe you recover a lot quicker the more you walk. You'll feel 80% normal after about three weeks. I am five weeks post-op, and I still have weird pains here and there. They go about as quick as they come. It's all a part of the healing. Good luck!

Hello Monte, I will be having my 20th surgery this Friday. Three hernias and an absess removed. All the surgeries hurt differently. I found that the ones above my belly button hurt worse. If your surgery is going to be open it will be real close to the gallbladder surgery pain. Just remember your pillow and walk. The more walking, the less pain and faster recovery. I always set a goal to be up and walking in my room a hour after I am back to my room. Even if it was only two steps (forward and back). It all helps, in speeding up everything (body systems) getting back to normal. Hope this helps. I will be praying for a safe and speedy recovery time for you. God Bless, Cathy

Monte; I had laproscopic RNY. The only time I used my Dilaudin pump was to get in and out of bed for my walks. I consistently rated my pain as a 4 on a scale of 1-10. I had a more painful root canal in 1999. My Dilaudin pump was removed at 48 hours post-op and I never had another pain med after that. Prayers that you'll have a similar experience are coming your way. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 159 / 137

Immediately following open RNY, I had the worst burning pain in my chest. After sleeping through the worst part with pain meds, I woke up the next morning feeling much better. After that, it wasn't too bad. I've had C-section and hysterectomy and in comparison, I think it hurt differently because it was in the upper region instead.

I had basically no pain post-op. I woke up and my neck and shoulders hurt - from the gas from the lapro as well as sleeping in that dern hospital bed! It was much better by the time I left the hospital - I went and got a massage and was much better after that!! Otherwise - no pain! I could only wear elastic/drawstring pants for about 2 weeks post-op because of the incision above the belly button.

I had my open rny on July 10th (7 days ago) and I have to say yes it hurt, it's not so much pain in the incision (8 inches long and about 35-40 staples) but because the surgeon had to use a rib spreader to get at my stomach and other organs that's what hurts. Also they cut through various muscle tissue and nerves so most of the pain I think is coming from that. I have to admit the first 2 days in the hospital it was excruciating to get out of bed, now it's just a little uncomfortable like a really bad pulled muscle. Sorry if I'm scaring you you'll do just fine. And if you are having Lap rny it's not 1/2 as bad only a few small incisions instead of one big one.

I had lapro RNY on June 21st (roughly 3 weeks ago) and the pain was very bearable for me. As someone responded earlier, it seemed the coughing & sneezing intensified the pain but it never got to the point of pure agony and I have been told by many people I am a big baby. I stayed in the hospital for only one day but the pain was so so so much better after 4 days. At that point, I felt more sore than "pain." I hope your surgery goes well and just remember, if you can get through the first 2 or 3 days, you will feel like a new man! Good luck!!! (P.S. The pains meds do wonders, too.)