June 5, 2023 Surgery Date

[Jaz&kar5 6]

I’m getting scared the closer my surgery date approaches. Im just looking for as many people as possible to please share the scale of pain & hunger after the surgery. I’m hearing different things regarding those things post op.
Some say that you shouldn’t be hungry afterwards but some people are commenting they’re starving and in pain. How much pain and how intense was hunger from your personal experience after the surgery?

Edited May 21, 2023 by Jaz&kar5

[Arabesque 6,565]

Your experiences may be totally different to mine or others. We have different pain thresholds, there may be subtle differences in our surgeries, our health & physical statuses/situations are likely different, etc.

There are some generalisations though. Most find the pain is gone or greatly reduced by day 4 or so. The opioids you’ll be given will manage it & you may only need the odd over the counter non NSAID pain med by day 4. You may have continued discomfort from gas pain (shoulder region) for a few more days - heat pads help. Some have localised discomfort around the surgical sites or experience pain spasms on getting up or down or lying in certain positions like your side - move slowly & carefully. You may have difficulty swallowing for a day or so due to swelling. You may experience sudden diarrhoea, Constipation, or nausea. If intense pain persists & your prescribed meds aren’t managing it contact your surgeon.

My pain was pretty much gone by day 4. I had difficulty swallowing for two days. I could sleep in my side in hospital and the few days of discomfort on getting up & down was more like the muscular ‘I’ve been exercising’ type. I didn’t have any gas pain (my surgeon made up for it when he removed my gall two years later 😁) My back went into spasm in hospital & that pain was way worse than the surgical pain.

I wasn’t hungry or interested in eating at all which is the general accepted effect of the surgery. Some people do feel hungry but some of this is likely head hunger not real hunger.

I do recommend warm drinks over cold. Cold can cause your poor healing tummy to spasm/cramp while warm (room temp or hot) can be more soothing. Some find a pillow t hold against their tummy when travelling or get them my up & down helpful. Som find a binder supportive too. I didn’t use these at all.

Don’t be reluctant to ask for pain, anti nausea meds or anything else you may need in hospital & to seek medical advice or help when yi get home if you need it. You’ll be okay. All the best.