Question:
To those whose first ever surgery was lap RNY--how much pain?

I have never had any surgery, broken bones, stitches, or ever stayed in a hospital. I am also male so I have never dealt with childbirth pain or "female" pains. I would appreciate hearing from those who were in similar situation so I can know what to expect for postop pain and how best to deal with it. Thanks!!    — Manuel C. (posted on January 21, 2003)

January 21, 2003
The pain will be there. It goes away. I had LAP RNY on October 8, 2002 and am down 70 lbs. Let me tell you that it is the BEST BEST BEST thing I ever did for myself in my life. Four of the five "incisions" were painless immediately after the surgery, would you believe? The large incision, which is less than a half inch hurt for awhile. They give you pain medicine. I was "brave" the first nite and realized, hey why be in pain? I took the percocet.. very nice... Used it for about 2 weeks when I got home and then at exactly two weeks the pain absolutely stopped. YOU will be fine. Good luck. If you have more questions, feel free to email at Dakingfish @aol.com.
   — Steve B.

January 21, 2003
Well, it does hurt, but for me it was tolerable. My doctor ordered meds to help with it and the nurses were very good at getting the meds to me on time. I didn't think it was as bad as I had expected it to be. Soon it will be just a memory for you and you will be losing!! Keep up the walking and exercise and it will make things much easier too. Good luck!!!
   — A. S.

January 21, 2003
My Lap rny was ws my first ever surgery.. and everyones pain toleranceis different, but i had more pain from coughing then anything.. i didnt even think i had the surgery done till i seen the tape on the incisions..i coudnt even feel them. When i got home the pin was more annoying then painful.. so it will all really depend on your tolerance more then anything. GOOD LUCk and dont worry.. if theres pain no matter the extent, it will be well worth it.. surgery 10-23-02 down 60# and 5 pants sizes!! SEE ALL WORTH IT:)
   — brandy H.

January 21, 2003
Hi....I had Lap RNY on Jan 15th of 2002. This was my first surgery ever except for having my tubes tied and I really have to say, it wasn't that bad. The pain was actually more inside than the actual incision pain. It felt like being hit by car and just aching when you moved. The worst part was that my back started hurting from laying on it for 2 days straight. Once I got home I felt so much better. The surgery was worth it for me. I made goal in 8 months and have had no complications at all. Good luck to you. Any other question feel free to email me at [email protected]
   — hawk4life

January 21, 2003
I had surgery 1/23/2002, my one year anniversary is in two days and I've lost 120#.This was my first time in the hospital too, I had never had anything done before my lap rny, and I have to agree with the person who said it's more internal than external. On the outside I felt fine, the incisions didn't hurt at all. I kind of felt like something had knocked the wind out of me, but just on the inside of my body. And it doesn't really feel like any pain you've ever felt before, because it doesn't really hurt, you just feel a little sore. You can ignore it. And you'll be so drowsy from the drugs, you'll probably just sleep the whole time. I did. When I got back home I was only in bed for a day before I went back to life as normal. Everything felt just fine. But don't get me wrong, changing the amount you eat will be a HUGE adjustment so try your hardest not to overeat because that can be painful! Otherwise don't worry, you'll be just fine. My two friends and I had surgery all at the same time, and we all felt fine, and we got to leave in two days. Good Luck!!!!!!! -TJ
   — tjmoore

January 21, 2003
My RNY was my first surgery and hospitalization as my child was adopted! I don't remember much pain but my husband said I was cranky and swore that I would NEVER have surgery again! I don't remember saying that (as I'm planning all the reconstrictive surgery I'll one day have)! I didn't feel 'cut' I felt like I had run about a thousand miles! I also felt strange discomfort in my tummy, like I had been stretched and bent the wrong way! It went away really fast. Sleeping was uncomfortable as my back was constantly killing me from being in the hsopital!
   — jenn2002

January 21, 2003
I had LAP RNY surgery in September and it was my first time in the hospital ever...no children, no broken bones, no nothing. I was preparing for the worst, but it really wasn't that bad at all. It just kind of felt like I had done A LOT of sit-ups and my muscles were really sore. I agree with one of the previous posters that my back hurt worse from the hospital bed. Good Luck!
   — Jamie H.

January 21, 2003
I was more nervous about the hospital stay than the surgery!! Minimal (almost NONE) pain due to surgery/incisions. Big pain due to muscle cramps and the after-effects of cramps in my butt!!! Apparently started on the operating table.
   — jen41766

January 21, 2003
I had open RNY in Oct 2001, my first surgery. Immediately after the surgery, I woke up and was amazed at how bad the level of pain was. But, I slept through most of that day and from day two on it was quite tolerable. And SOOOOO worth it!
   — Julie S.

January 21, 2003
It was my first surgery too. I found it to be quite painful, particularily the first time I got out of bed. WOW!! It felt like someone stabbing me. I hurt for about 3 weeks but with each passing week the pain got less. I stopped pain medication completely at about 10 days post-op.
   — Patty H.

January 21, 2003
My Lap RNY was my first ever surgery. I was scared to death over it, but it all turned out fine. The evening after surgery, I slept all the time from the anesthesia still in my system. Day 2, I was up and moving, walking, showering and sitting up in a chair. I had no real pain, only soreness from the surgery itself. I took NO pain meds after Day 1 when they put it in my IV. I took no pain meds after that at all. I was amazed at how good I felt. I went back to my desk job on Day 7 with no problems whatsoever. You will do fine. Best of health and best of luck to you! SanDee
   — SandyParker

January 21, 2003
I had a lap rny on Dec 13, just a few weeks ago and to be honest the only thing that was uncomfortable was the drainage tube which was placed under my left breast. Before I left the hospital the next day my surgeon removed it and I felt much better. If I could do things all over I would nix the IV med pump, that btw was useless and just made me feel funky and go with an epidural.As I'm sure you've noticed, the pain is different for everyone, good luck:)
   — E M.

January 22, 2003
I had no prior surgeries, stitches or serious injuries prior to my lap RNY. Call me a bit of a brute, but I would say that the surgery was minimally painful. The first couple of days I admit to being in pain, but I used very little of the morphine that I had access to & was removed from it after 24 hours. After leaving the hospital, I did experience discomfort, but never any great pain. Personally, I think that one's attitude plays a big role in the perception of pain. Just continue to prepare yourself and arm yourself with a positive attitude. I swear it works! Very best wishes.
   — Rebekah B.

January 22, 2003
Don't be afraid to ASK for pain meds if you need them. Ask your surgeon BEFORE the surgery if he/she will give you a PCA, that way you'll be able to control how much medication you'll get. Then you'll be in control and will actually use less. Even if your surgeon doesn't use the PCA, ask your nurses for the pain meds if you need them. They can't read your mind but do want to keep you comfortable and help you with a speedy recovery.
   — Debi B.

January 22, 2003
This was my first surgery and I was quiet surprised at how little pain I felt. I was mostly uncomfortable due to the tubes and IV. All in all a good experience. However do not be afraid to ask for medication if you need it. :-)
   — sharon E.

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