I'm four days post op, sleeved on 4/14

I've tried to keep a positive attitude throughout, but today it's been difficult to do so.

I'm an over-prepper. I've read hundreds of forum threads and watched dozens of youtube videos. I came into this knowing exactly what to expect, that there were a lot of different possible things that could happen and pains I might feel, but that my journey would be my own. I knew about Water nausea, gas pains, walking, throwing up, lightheadedness, Protein, the works,

What I wasn't prepared for was the abdominal pain. The 'big stitch'.

This is the pain in my lower abdomen, right side, from the biggest incision, where the stomach is pulled through. There's a figure 8 stitch underneath the surface keeping my tissue and muscles together so I won't get a hernia in this spot. And it's some of the worst pain I've ever felt.

You don't really realize how much you use your core/abdominal muscles until you suddenly can't. Lifting my right leg is nearly impossible because of the pain. So is pulling with my right arm. In the hospital, the techs had to lift my right leg for me when I got in and out of bed. Everything has to be done with my left side.. pulling myself into bed, off the toilet, or getting out of a vehicle. My legs dangled off the edge of the seat in my roommate's truck when I tried getting out on day 2, and it was the most excruciating 30 seconds or so of my life until he came and helped lower me down to the ground. I was nauseous from it and nearly threw up. Because of that, I haven't dared leave the house in a vehicle in fear of repeating it. I can't put on socks or pants by myself. I feel like an invalid.

I am discouraged this morning. I've been trying to take myself off the tramadol so I can be somewhat coherent. I don't like feeling drugged up, because it makes me lethargic and I spend the day dozing in and out of sleep. I want to be walking and active (and have been. I walk around the house several times a day and have gone on two long walks around the neighborhood). I want to start healing. But the abdominal pain is nearly constant, shooting to a 10 on the pain scale when I use those muscles. So, I took a dose of meds this morning.

I'm really surprised this pain hasn't been really talked about in this forum and others. Is it because it's rare to have? Does it resolve quickly for most people? I'm feeling pretty alone in this. My gas pain has been so minimal, and drinking water has been so easy, I feel like if i didn't have this stitch pain, I'd have a very easy ride right now. But this has been almost all I can focus on due to the intensity.

I could use some support.. words of encouragement.. advice.. anything. I know this will be worth it in the end. I'm not falling into the trap of buyer's remorse. But this is still very difficult to handle physically and mentally here in the moment.

Edited April 18, 201610 yr by Ruth1ess

Ps a compression tank really helped me too. Held everything a little tighter.

@ Thank you, it's good to know I'm not alone in this!

I'm having similar problems. I've learned to adapt to a lot of them, though. Pivoting my right foot across the floor to move into pants or to move my foot behind me so I can stand from a chair.. "scooping" my foot up with my pants, or learning how to lift my leg as a dead weight so I'm not actually straining myself. Yes, even problems with the wiping has been difficult. Hence why I feel like an invalid.

Edited April 19, 201610 yr by Ruth1ess

@@Ruth1ess Pain is different for everyone. It is really important that immediately after surgery you take your prescribed pain medication - regardless if you think you need it. Once the effects wear off - and you experience pain - it is nearly impossible to get caught up and meet your pain needs again. Take the Tramadol as prescribed and take it easy. Take walks - but be sure not to lift anything or overexert yourself. If you're not better in the next day or so - get an appointment with your surgeon or ask them to try a different pain med. Many people sleep upright in a recliner for the first few days post-op from abdominal surgery - it's easier to get up. Hope you feel better soon!

@@Ruth1ess Pain is different for everyone. It is really important that immediately after surgery you take your prescribed pain medication - regardless if you think you need it. Once the effects wear off - and you experience pain - it is nearly impossible to get caught up and meet your pain needs again. Take the Tramadol as prescribed and take it easy. Take walks - but be sure not to lift anything or overexert yourself. If you're not better in the next day or so - get an appointment with your surgeon or ask them to try a different pain med. Many people sleep upright in a recliner for the first few days post-op from abdominal surgery - it's easier to get up. Hope you feel better soon!

Indeed, pain is different for everyone. I was looking for support on this post from people who had experienced the same type of pain that I had, since it isn't discussed here or on other forums. Thank you though for the education lesson!

I was sleeved a month ago... and took my pain meds as prescribed by my doc for a week, until it was finished. We all don't have the same pain tolerance. Take your meds. Give it time. If you truly find the pain beyond unbearable, call your bariatric center. They are always there to help. Best of luck.

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Edited April 19, 201610 yr by AJKMMC15

I can SOOOO relate to everything you've said. The 4th day was the absolute worst for me. The incision your speaking of was incredibly painful for me as well. Getting out of bed was excruciating. That 4th day I felt that perhaps I had made a huge mistake with this surgery. I too wanted to be off pain meds. However, day 5 was a lot better. By day 6 I felt good enough to return to work. Believe me, you're not alone. It gets better, I promise. Just hang in there.

It sounds like this might also be from your drain site, which is the other bigger incision. Mine hurt for about a week. Give it 72 hours. The other sites didn't really hurt that badly. Call the doctor on Monday if there is still no improvement. Good luck!

Surgery was 4/5. Had very little pain but the gas and heartburn has been a Killer. Finally got a prescription for liquid Zantac and it has been a relief.

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1) stop using those muscles 2) try liquid Tylenol 3) use a pillow to push in your tummy where it hurts when you absolutely do have to (getting up and down), but mostly try to rely on your arms rather than your abs. You should search you tube for some videos for moms recovering from cesarean section. And how they need to get in and out of bed but let their abdominal incision heal. Also do not lift ANYTHING heavier than your water bottle or single serving protein shake.