Ok, so wednesday will be 2 weeks post op for me, and I know I am still healing, but how long does it take to feel normal where the pain of the surgery is gone? I have a 3" incision in front, with staples that are coming out Thursday and I can't wait till they come out, as they hurt. I am aware that it may take time but how long is a normal recovery time to feel half way normal?

I think most doctors estimate in the six week range on average. In my case it got better every day and I don't recall it taking quite that long. Just keep in mind that there are so many variables that shorter or longer recovery times can be absolutely normal. My wife went back to work a week after surgery and I've read here on the forum of others doing the same. I've also read of folks taking six weeks or more off. Bottom line - trust the process and allow your body to find its own way in its own time.

You're gonna love the new you!!

I have returned to work, and that's not the real issue, I think it's the staples in the front of my stomach, I have never had staples before and they really bother me? Sometimes they feel like they are stabbing me? I don't know??? I am getting them out this Thursday but I am a little nervous about that too? I am in hopes that my hubby can go with me that day to hold my hand. I am not one that complains much for pain but just thinking of them taking a staple remover or whatever they do to take them out, it just kinda makes me nauseous? So I am thinking that is more what I mean when I mean normal? I am still in pain cause of those, and I am hoping that will help? We will see???

I'm not sure what instrument(s) they use to remove the staples but I'm betting that you are going to notice two things on Thursday - you are so glad to have them out and you are pleasantly surprised at what a non-event removing them was! Piece of cake!!

I'm not sure what instrument(s) they use to remove the staples but I'm betting that you are going to notice two things on Thursday - you are so glad to have them out and you are pleasantly surprised at what a non-event removing them was! Piece of cake!!

I agree with you on being relieved they are out but man DL I hope your right about them coming out!!!

I have returned to work, and that's not the real issue, I think it's the staples in the front of my stomach, I have never had staples before and they really bother me? Sometimes they feel like they are stabbing me? I don't know??? I am getting them out this Thursday but I am a little nervous about that too? I am in hopes that my hubby can go with me that day to hold my hand. I am not one that complains much for pain but just thinking of them taking a staple remover or whatever they do to take them out, it just kinda makes me nauseous? So I am thinking that is more what I mean when I mean normal? I am still in pain cause of those, and I am hoping that will help? We will see???

I was nervous about having my staples removed too. Some did hurt, not terribly but a little, some I couldn't even feel. The ones that were more scabby hurt, my two incisions that were already healed clean were pain free. They use a little instrument that almost looks like a mix between scissors and tweezers. They slide it under the staple and squeeze down on the handle. The stable pops right out.

Ok, well great, cause my 3" incision right in the front is all skabby, the only ones that are healed up are the ones on the sides that have maybe one or 2 in them the one in the middle has like 10 or 12? JUST MY LUCK!!!

I remember when I had my C-sections that the staples hurt so bad. Ah, after they clipped the staples I felt like my old self.

I didn't have staples when I had my c-section, I had stitches, but then my incision busted open on it's own so I had to have an in home nurse come in and care for me for an extra 2 weeks, it was awful. I push myself too quickly to get better. I am such a bull?

I don't have staples I just have the steri strips. But I can imagine it being ultra creepy having a "zipper" on my front. That's what it reminds me of. I think you will feel so much more "normal" when they remove those suckers. Maybe if you have a pain pill left over take it first before you go in? Goodluck will be thinking of you.

Never got any pain pills? But my hubby man just got vicadin for breaking a toe I might use one!!! Thanks for the advice Kristina!!!

You probably already know this, but do not take Ibuprophen or ANY other NSAIDS after gastric bypass. They cause ulcers and you can hemmorage...