I've always had back problems and severe muscle spasms and knotted muscles. I keep myself moving by seeing a chiropractor and having regular massages. Prior to surgery I noticed that I seemed to have some strain on my right side. After surgery it has only gotten worse. It's not near any of my incision sites, so I know it isn't really related to the surgery, but I do wonder during that 2 1/2 hour surgery if they had me in a weird position or were moving things around. Since the stomach is on the left side, this doesn't seem to explain the pain. Maybe I just twisted it badly when first getting in and out of bed after surgery. Any one else experiencing this?

On another note, finding it really hard to get the Protein and fluids in. I'm just over 2 weeks out and was really looking forward to starting puree, but even that is hard to get down. I think I'll barf if I have another Protein shake. Any suggestions? Think I'll go have a sf popsicle to get some fluids in.

In regards to the muscle pain... I am having them too. My DR said as you lose weight your body with start to transform a bit and you will be using muscles you dont normall use as your body shifts. ..I keep stretching often and try to work those muscle a little more to strengthen them.... Hope that helps

I had pain in my side too...my dr. reminded me that I had MAJOR surgery!! Once I started exercising again (at about 2 weeks) that pain gradually went away.

As for the Protein....do what you can. I couldn't stand Protein shakes (even though I loved them pre-op) so I mixed Isopure unflavored powder with hot chocolate and Lipton creamy chicken Soup.

Hang in there....it'll get better everyday!!!!!

I had pain in areas that were not directly under the incisions. They move stuff around in there and haul you on and off the surgery table. I had a few pains that didn't entirely disappear for about 3 months. They slowly improved till after 3 months they were completely gone.

Lynda

I have had more pain in my left lowest rib and my right side. I am quite sure my rib got bruised during the surgery. I can't help but think the fact that i am short made it more difficult. My right side incision seems to hurt more, but not sure why. I used ice packs the first week. Now I use a heating blanket and that seems to subside the muscle pain.

On the Protein drink side. I know the feeling. It feels like swallowing liquid slime. I use low-fat, skim milk or 1%. I did find these sugar free syrups that I added to the drink. It flavored it up a bit.

One of them is raspberry, so I added some to my chocolate protein and the taste wasn't so bad.

Keep working at the protein. I have been reading alot that hair loss will follow if you do not take in the protein. You went through alot to have the surgery, keep at it to spare yourself the added grief of possible hair loss.

Good luck.

I hear where you are coming from. I have two bad discs in my neck and that hurt me more than my surgery did. It took over a week before it started feeling better. I have an appt on Jan 15 for an infection on my neck.

I've done pretty well on the Protein. I've been drinking Isopure (40 protein in 20 oz) I do not like any milk drinks so these worked for me. They have a good apple and grape. They have several others but those are my favorite and I can drink them without to much problem.. Hang in there and things will fall in place for you. I'm scared to death of my hair falling out so I'm going to find away to keep that from happening..

Thanks everyone! I didn't think about new muscles in use. Makes sense. I'll keep working on the protein.

I am only two weeks post-op and have been having the same concerns. I asked my doctor at my first post-op visit and she said the pains are normal. She also said I had MAJOR surgery and the pain is to be expected. She said the more I walk the pain will subside. My pain started on the left side and is no at my belly button below my inscisions. She said this is where the camera was placed during surgery so there are also more stiches.

I am having the same problem with the Protein shakes. I was hoping they would get easier but it seems they are harder to take with each shake. The others that had surgery on the same day gave me a couple suggestions. The first is to freeze the shakes and they are a little more like ice cream. If you decide to try this the nutritionist said to be sure to read your shake container because not all shakes can be frozen. I also tried the protein shots. They are 3.8 oz of pure protein and are flavored giving 42g of protein. I won't lie and say they taste the greatest but it is alot easier to do one of the shots at only 3.8oz than drink two shakes a day. Hope I could help a little and good luck with your recovery!!! We can do this, I just keep telling myself these shakes are not forever.