Constant Stomach Pain - 9 days post op

[bschmidt25 2]

Hi all- I was sleeved on 7/31. Since Sunday night, I've had near constant stomach pain. It's not a throbbing pain, just a constant "punched in the gut" feeling. It's been very difficult to sleep and do much of anything during the day because of it. Doesn't matter if I'm standing, sitting, or laying down - nothing makes it more comfortable. I consulted with my surgeon yesterday and he didn't seem concerned as I don't have any symptoms of sleeve leakage (no fever, swelling, etc). Said I could restart the pain meds again, which I've done, and they have pretty much eliminated the pain, even if it's only for four hours at a time. I'm concerned because I felt pretty good up until Sunday. I was off the pain meds on Friday. Now I'm taking them pretty much around the clock and I'm going to run out of them soon. Anyone else experience this? Please tell me this is a short term issue! Any info is welcome!

[Berry78 4,259]

I didn't have that, but we are all different. Suggestions:

Be sure to keep an eye on your temperature.

If the pain gets really bad, go to the ER since they can run all sorts of CT scans and stuff.

How are your bowel movements? Constipation can back things up, causing abdominal discomfort.

Pay attention to what you are consuming and whether it changes things.

Keep an eye on your incisions. They should be dry and healing nicely.

Hope you feel better soon!

[bschmidt25 2]

Thanks for the reply! I think I've actually tracked down the trigger... it seems to be milk - especially my Protein Shakes. I was using Premier Protein as that's what I used pre-op without any issues. Late yesterday the pain died down enough for me to feel good enough to eat again, so I had some. The pain returned immediately and is just now starting to subside again. My wife has a milk allergy, so we don't have it in any foods that she prepares. Milk never really caused too much trouble for me unless I had a lot of it in one sitting - ice cream for example. But I think my tolerance of it has changed after surgery. I'm still testing the waters to confirm, but the little bit of yogurt I had this morning (one spoonful) was enough to bring on some increased pain, so I think I may be on the right track. I'm trying Isopure today, so we'll see how that goes. I have been able to drink my daily 64oz. of Water without any issues, even with the pain.

I haven't had many bowel movements since surgery - 2 or 3 I think. That could definitely be part of the issue too, though I don't feel like I have to go. I'm guessing that's because I've been taking the pain meds again the last few days. Trying to figure out next steps on that...

Keeping my fingers crossed that I've found the cause of all of this pain. It's pretty miserable and makes doing or eating anything almost impossible. I'm pretty sure I felt better the day after surgery.

Edited August 10, 2017 by bschmidt25

[Berry78 4,259]

Dairy is hard for lots of people postop. You can really test it out by avoiding all sources of dairy for 24 hours and see how you feel. Bone Broth has 8g Protein in 8oz so you can still get protein. (Slow cooked homemade broth will have protein too). And Isopure, like you've found.

[sleevedshereen 524]

I had felt pain and like a pulling feeling for the first 3 weeks. Maybe I was a slow healer? Idk...I still occassionally get these little pains near my incisions or near my bellybutton (where my 5th incision was). Our bodies are healing and some are quicker than others. Some people finally feel like themselves at 9 weeks post op...it just takes time. Hang in there! <3

[Dabearo 118]

Constipation is my vote. My pain started about the 9 day mark. Do a search for remedies on here. Lots of options. Only thing that worked for me was a 1/2 cup warm Water. 2 tsp sea salt dissolved lemon juice. Drink it over 10 15 minutes. Wait about 1 hour. You will go.

[bschmidt25 2]

8 hours ago, Dabearo said:

Constipation is my vote. My pain started about the 9 day mark. Do a search for remedies on here. Lots of options. Only thing that worked for me was a 1/2 cup warm Water. 2 tsp sea salt dissolved lemon juice. Drink it over 10 15 minutes. Wait about 1 hour. You will go.

Thanks for the tip! I was hoping not to have to resort to a laxative. Pretty sure I am constipated as I can't remember the last time I went at this point. I've been making a point to try and go about once an hour but nothing yet.

I think I can confirm that it was the milk. After the little bit of yogurt yesterday, I haven't had any other dairy and I don't have the constant stomach pain anymore. I do have some back pain now, but I think it's just from sleeping on my back (which I never do) and being laid up the last few days.

Finally feeling like I'm making some progress. Hopefully the worst is behind me! Thanks all for your help!

[Berry78 4,259]

I did an enema every other day for the first couple weeks to keep things moving. My GI doc was impressed, since most people just let that stuff go. When I could start taking Fiber, things started being more normal.

I like enemas because I can schedule the 30 minutes in the bathroom instead of not knowing when it will happen.

[ramu5 9]

I did an enema every other day for the first couple weeks to keep things moving. My GI doc was impressed, since most people just let that stuff go. When I could start taking fiber, things started being more normal.
I like enemas because I can schedule the 30 minutes in the bathroom instead of not knowing when it will happen.

What kind did you take? Im suffering with it and scared to take but need to