I just had my gastric sleeve surgery on Monday. Everything went well but I did have one issue that is still going on - when I try to get into or out of bed, the incisions on my left side feel like they are pulling and if I don't change positions, they will break open (this also happens at other times but consistently when getting in and out of bed). The pain is the worst I have ever felt in my life. The site doesn't appear to be infected and the nurse said that this can happen. I am taking prescribed pain meds and nurse suggested OTC pain reliever to help. For me, the pain is so severe there has to something that can be done to reduce the amount of pain.

Has anyone else had this experience? If so, please share what you did to help with the pain and encourage healing. Also, understanding that everyone is different, how long did this reason for pain last?

I had the same kind of pain. I got some relief by rolling up a comforter like a log and sleeping propped up.... like in a hospital bed. I am a side sleeper, but for that first week, I had to sleep propped up and on my back. Sleeping propped up also made it easier to get out of bed. The pain slowly went away and by the 9th or 10th day, it was completely gone. But you are right, it is some of the worst pain I have ever felt!

I had the same issues. Sleeping with a body pillow under my stomach helped me.

@@ForLfKlovr Mine was painful like that so I have them up my pain meds. A belly binder can be a life saver! You can usually find them at Walgreens and Walmart. That will hold your stomach in so it doesn't feel like your insides are ripping out when you turn and walk. Sorry I feel your pain. I've been there!!

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and support!

I slept in my lift recliner for a few nights.

Same issue, getting out of bed was very painful for about 4/5 days. My husband would hold my hands and pull me to a sitting position and then I could get up! But honestly, once I tried to do it on my own, even though it hurt terribly, it got better. It got better and better every time I used my muscles. Moving around (walking) and using those muscles (but not lifting) will make them heal faster.