Burning/pulling/stinging pain

[Shanna NYC 149]

I am today officially 3 weeks post op RNY. My first week of healing was a bit uncomfortable, but by the end I was much better and could move around more. Week 2 I started to feel some tugging on my right side kind of away from the immediate incision area. I mentioned it to my surgeon at my 2 week visit and he said it is likely because 2 of the incisions are sewn to muscle and did not seem concerned. Well 4-5 days later, not only is that part in an awful state of pain, but the 3rd incision site (internally) also feeling similar. It’s not a constant pain, but brought on by movement. It started as some movement like bending, but now is with nearly anything. (Showering is torture). It is what I can best describe as being stabbed with a hot knife. It for sure feels like a muscle burn rather than an ulcer burn and is only relieved with holding my stomach w a lot of pressure. I picked up a back brace/ab brace for an immediate fix with hopes to get a better larger binder. With the brace I can function way better, but because I have a B belly, it sits in the crease and with the pressure after several hours it irritates my skin. Anyone else experience a similar feeling? I am awaiting a reply back from my doctor.

[Fred in Pa 236]

Yup, its quite normal.

Mine was when I was in bed and rolled over...my belly would pull a bit and Id get the stinging/burning pulling.

Mr Dr said it was a combination of things. Sutures, healing, scare tissue...but was all normal.

Like yours, mine was NOT near the incisions and was NOT consent.

Mine went away in about 1-2 weeks...all now gone.

[NP_WIP 274]

I was told it was normal even at my 3 month post op appointment. At first it was like yours but after the 1st month, I only felt it occasionally or when I pressed on it. I honestly started to notice it was not hurting even when pressed about 3 weeks ago when I was getting closer to 5 months. This week is kind of nonexistent.

[MelbaT 28]

I was getting on here to ask you guys the same thing! When it happens to me, it is close to a couple of the incisions. It's an instant, like what Shanna said, being stabbed with a hot knife. I have my 5 week phone check in with the surgeon today and was going to mention it. Glad to hear on here that it seems to be a fairly normal occurrence and will go away! Thanks for asking the question, Shanna, and thank you guys for the feedback. Helped ease my mind a bit!

[Shanna NYC 149]

Thanks everyone. It really is good to know I’m not alone. It’s hard for the none bariatric friends and family to understand. I have more friends with the sleeve and I know it’s not quite the same either. My doctors office did reply back and said it is fairly normal as the internal stitches are healing and should be less pain as time goes on. They said it was ok to wear a binder if it helps, but not to wear it all day to take it off from time to time. I’m just happy I’m working remote right now, but dread going back to the office.

[BariBlonde 15]

I am almost a year post op, but this too happened to me and it was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I was fortunate enough to only experience it on my right side, but doctor did state that some will suffer with it on both sides. I’m sorry that you’re one of the ones to experience that. Hang in there! Hopefully it passes soon.

[BabySpoons 632]

I'm almost 4 weeks out from having RNY and still have the stabbing right side pain during certain movements. It seemed to go away around 2 weeks and I remember thinking "thank God". But it returned recently on a day I had walked 30 minutes on my treadmill, did some laundry and cleaned up my kitchen. I probably did too much. So, I've been resting the last few days and wearing a binder.

I thought by moving more I would recover quicker. Guess not... But like all of you was told this pain was normal.

[Christina B1128 23]

I am 14 weeks post-op. And I had experienced that awful tugging/pulling on my left side for several weeks in the beginning. Now, not so much. Maybe I might feel when I hold my arms up for too long when doing my hair. But for the most part, it went away in time.

[learn2cook 627]

That’s why I wore Spanx until the 4th month. I also felt loose things inside sloshing around. By 6 months there was no pain or sloshing and no more interest in the Spanx. You’ll get there. Movement does help as long as you don’t push it too far. Some people need a binder or compression, and others just don’t.

[Shanna NYC 149]

I appreciate everyone sharing. It felt better knowing I wasn’t the only one and it’s a normal thing. I am happy to report that the worst of it has passed. I did get a binder, but wore it less than a handful of times. I had a concert to attend and tried a shaping underwear which actually was quite comfortable with just the right amount of compression. Movement, showers, sleeping have all been much better and no support needed for the last several days. I still feel the under incision area slight soreness, but I’m just 4 weeks post op and know there’s still inside healing happening. For anyone still experiencing it, it will pass.