1. Belly wrap or abdominal binder. Ask your doctor about this first!!! This has made a big difference for me in the first few days I only wear it when I'm getting up to do my walking as it keeps my belly from jiggling and pulling on all the suture sites. I wear it as loosely as possible for light support then I slip ice packs under it for 20 minutes when I'm done lifesaver! I should note my doctor has specifically asked me not to wear this tightly and not to wear it when sitting or sleeping.

2. Ice packs. We bought the small square gel packs I believe they also make circles. These have been fantastic for managing pain especially when I'm coming up on the end of my pain med window or just after I've done some walking. I'm noticeably more comfortable within minutes. Pick two three or four spots that are the worst and go for it!

3. Walking and breathing. So simple! I really think the greatest source of pain has been from gas pain which is usually alleviated within a minute or two on the laps I'm doing around my living room. In addition when I've been resting or sitting for a period of time and I first stand up to take a deep breath it always hurts. But a few breaths on my breathing exercise contraption and the tightness is gone and feels much better.

I'm so pleased to say that I'm doing very well 3 days post op with no problems drinking. I even showered today! Hopefully this was helpful for you and if it was keep reading! Because I got all these tips from other folks on this site. Ijust wanted to bump them forward for those of you preop who are searching for ideas and tips. Good luck!

Great tips!! My surgery was Monday. I was having issues with changing position in bed. I can’t lie on my back all night and my belly insides weren’t happy with flopping side to side. I don’t have a belly binder but I do have some long stretchy camisoles, not unlike Spanx but not quite that tight. I do sleep so much better when wearing that to bed at night .

2 hours ago, Fluffy Grandma said:

Great tips!! My surgery was Monday. I was having issues with changing position in bed. I can’t lie on my back all night and my belly insides weren’t happy with flopping side to side. I don’t have a belly binder but I do have some long stretchy camisoles, not unlike Spanx but not quite that tight. I do sleep so much better when wearing that to bed at night .

Yes, grandma! I have some stretchy slip shorts I wear under my dresses that I'm going to switch to once my incisions are a little less tender.

Which type of surgery did you have?

Gastric bypass plus a hiatal hernia and umbilical hernia

I had RNY Apr 2, 2018 and did not have or need a binder or gel packs. I was walking unassisted same day and went home day after surgery. It was laparoscopic so I’m guessing between that and your hernias are huge differences!

I had a huge hematoma on one side. Actually, my entire belly was black and blue. It was tender but it didn't hurt. I remember cushioning my belly with a soft pillow while sleeping on my side. I also found that sleeping somewhat upright (pillows piled high) was more comfortable than sleeping relatively "flat". I was tempted to sleep on my belly (something I was eager to do after giving birth), but I decided no.

1 hour ago, DeanaNJ said:

I had RNY Apr 2, 2018 and did not have or need a binder or gel packs. I was walking unassisted same day and went home day after surgery. It was laparoscopic so I’m guessing between that and your hernias are huge differences!

Whoa, superwoman! Yes, I think the hernias added quite a bit of pain but I also had trouble with pain with my 2 past laproscopic surgeries (fertility stuff) which were much simpler.

I tell myself all the time to toughen up, buttercup but I still need the icepacks

God Bless you, my sisters, you are speaking to me today! These are just the things I need to hear and store in my memory banks. Like the story, oh yeah I always got a story:
Grandma sitting in her rocker reading the Bible
Little Girl: Grandma, what are you doing?
Grandma Cramming for my Final Exams, honey, cramming for my Final Exams.
Yep that's me, still cramming for my Surgical Final Exam!