Hey there,
I’m new to this forum. My name’s Alexa and I’m 22 years old. I just had my duodenal switch surgery on March 26th of this year so I’m fresh out of surgery. I’m currently at home but I keep freaking myself out.
Along with the switch, my doctor also fixed a hiatal hernia that I had and removed my gallbladder because it was enflamed and kind of “stuck” to my duodenum (I may be wrong about this part, I was still in a daze when the doctor told me).
While being at home, I’ve noticed that around one of my 6 scars on my mid-right stomach it is very bruised and hurts the most. I also have a large “dent” in that spot now. I’ve been telling myself that it’s just from my gallbladder being removed and I really hope it is just that.
On top of that, I keep involuntarily taking in sharp breaths. I think they’re like hiccups or small yawns but it almost feels like I’m trying to burp but my body doesn’t know how. I’ve also been having a bit of pain when swallowing. These things I’m telling myself are from my hiatal hernia being fixed. I think a nurse also told me that’s what it was as well, but it’s really hard to get down my fluids and medications.
Again, I’m probably just freaking myself out but I’d like some input. Are these things normal? Should I be concerned? Thank you in advance!!
-Alexa

It’s normal for one of your incisions to be more bruised and look different from the others. It’s where the largest instrument was inserted. It’s where things were removed like your gallbladder and portion of stomach. It should heal up fine. Mine are hardly noticeable and I’m 4 years out.

Liquids and getting anything down is going to be difficult for a few weeks. Your new stomach is tiny and inflamed from surgery. Try warm liquids and see if your medication comes in a liquid form.

Hang inthere. It gets better.

Some of us look like we have been through a bad knife fight , depends largely on your bruiseability. But if you can survive the color changes, you'll come out on top. And the fact you have Mr Achey and Sore means something got fully adjusted internally! See there's always a little joy,if you Look ?for it!

My gallbladder was removed too. I had the weird dent looking thing. It went back to normal after a little while (I don't remember how long sorry). Like another poster wrote, having one of the incisions larger than the others is normal. I didn't have any bruising but I don't really bruise anyways. The pain when swallowing is probably from the tube down your throat during the surgery. If you are taking pills for your vitamins get a pill cutter. It will help tremendously. Hope this helps. You will do great!