Pain after surgery

[Autumn Riley Arnold 92]

In 2012 I got the gastric band. Because of extreme bleeding, they had to completely open me. Unfortunately, something went wrong with the band and it had to be removed the next day. I understand, because of that, the amount of pain I was in. So my worry and concern is even though we all handle pain differently, how much pain is there from the gastric bypass surgery and how long does it typically last?

[aelovelady 243]

I had very little pain, never took a pain pill and was back at my desk job 4 days after surgery.

[LisaMergs 2,857]

There is pain immediately post op. That's to be expected. Most of it comes in the form of gas pain in your shoulder truth be told. You will use a pillow to protect your abdomen when you sneeze and cough. It can be uncomfortable at first to sleep on your side or tummy- use a pillow to support your belly for aide sleeping. It will feel tight in the abdominal area when you stand, but not painful, after the first day or two home. Walking is the biggest key to healing. And resting in -between.

All that said, within the first few days, yes, you know you've had surgery, but it is not pain as much as discomfort. The incision areas are tender. But is it manageable? ABSOLUTELY! Is it horrid?? NO WAY. Is it worth it? A thousand times over!!!

Seven weeks post op this week- I am at the gym daily, three times a week with a trainer, I'm gardening, walking, cleaning house, cooking foods I can't eat without issue, and just so damn happy I could kick myself for not doing this two years ago.

Good luck!!!

[Autumn Riley Arnold 92]

Well said! Thank you! Not so scared now =)

[LisaMergs 2,857]

Well said! Thank you! Not so scared now =)

Good! Now go get em!!!

[mngreeneyes 674]

I also had less pain that I was expecting. I had never had surgery before so I had no idea what to expect. I was walking within hours of surgery and doing laps around the floor by the next day. I was terrified of the gas pain so I wanted to walk before the nurses even suggested it! I had some pain, but for me it was more about tiredness than pain. I was out of my desk job for 2 weeks, but that was more because I was tired than pain. I stopped taking pain meds of any kind, including children's tylenol, within a week. (I couldn't swallow the pills yet so I took the kids liquid, it was AWFUL!) As far as pain meds, take what you need to sleep and heal, but listen to your body and stop moving/doing before you get tired or hurt. For me the big pain went away pretty quickly. I hope you have a similar experience.

pam

[HappilyEverAfter44 40]

I had no pain. Maybe mild discomfort. But I didn't get any nausea, vomiting, or gas pains! Get up IMMEDIATELY when you get to your room and walk!!!

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[eoconnell24 30]

I will add to what everyone else has said.. WALK ASAP! The more gas you can get out while the good hospital meds are in your system the better! I've been pretty sore but it's to be expected after major abdominal surgery. Also I had 2 hernias repaired which my surgeon said would be where most of my pain would come from. I'm 1 week post op and other than just being tired and sore I'm doing pretty good!

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[Autumn Riley Arnold 92]

That's true about walking. I got the band in 2012, but it was messed up so they removed it. But 2 hours after surgery they had me up and walking.