So I'm three days post op and my little baby tummy is working like a champ! But the incision pain is messing everything up. Just the larger incision where my stomach tissue was pulled out hurts like hell. It looks good, no swelling or redness. Plus I can only sleep on my back (I'm a belly sleeper) so my back hurts badly. Any idea how long to expect this to go on? Any tips for relief?

I was on my belly 2 days after. The back pain may be from posture changes. I was having trouble right after surgery with back pain. I'm 14 weeks out tomorrow and down 74 pounds. I'm just to the point of my back not hurting most of the time.

Yes and yes! I had the *exact* same issues 5 weeks ago post sleeve. Get yourself a binder, and wear that for a week or two. It keeps everything tucked in tightly, and I found I could sleep on my side using the binder, plus a good kidney pillow. Support the tummy, and there is less pull on that muscle where that incision is. I called my nurse about it, and she said the reason that particular incision hurts so bad is because there is a long stitch behind there connecting the abdominal muscles. She said it would take 4 weeks to heal.

My back pain went away after a couple of weeks of Tylenol and gas-x strips, and the above side-sleeping method I mentioned.

The incision pain is now gone, but it took about 4 weeks for me to be able to sleep on my side without pain or pulling. I still like the kidney pillow too, as I find it comfortable.

Good luck!

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@queen-bee

Oh you're a doll! I just ordered a binder from amazon. I have a kidney pillow. Any help getting me on my side!

What is a binder.

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Post surgery abdominal binder. Some surgeons recommend, especially after boob jobs, tummy tucks, pregnancy stomach support, etc. Not sure why the bariatric surgeon community has not fully embraced it yet... It helps so much. Especially if you need to cough! You can find them on Amazon for fairly inexpensive. I also have heard some insurance companies will cover the cost since it is medical equipment if the bariatric surgeon recommends it.

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Binders will fit us? .....the larger sized community we are a part of.....

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I was 300+ lbs first time I had surgery and they had no problem getting an abdominal binder that was plenty big enough for me. It really helps a lot!

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