Still having pain

Hi -- I had lap RNY on 6/18 and I am still having a significant amount of pain, on my left side and sort of "mid belly" about 2 inches above my naval (but not near any of the little incisions). I cannot bend over or squat down without it really hurting. Is anyone else having this? My doc did not give me any rules about lifting, stairs, etc. but I have been really careful and am still really sore. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain -- I had 2 of my 3 kids without any pain meds. Is this normal? I'm still on liquids, so I don't think it has anything to do with digestion, etc. I'm trying to figure out if I should call my doc, or if this is just normal for 2+ weeks post op. I hope everyone has a great 4th of July! Alex

Hi Alexandra! Sorry to hear you are still in so much pain. I had open, so I can't really help you with the level of pain that you are at. I'm doing pretty good myself, a pain here or there, but really think most of it is gas and feel much better once I start burping, etc. *S* Definately call your doctor, that's what they are there for. You shouldn't feel bad about calling them, that's what you are suppose to do when you have questions. Take care and let us know how you're doing. Pam

Do you still have your drain tube in? I know my left side still hurts but not an awful amount ofpain. I had surgery on the 25th. So it probably would not be a bad idea to call the doctor if it is as bad as you say. Hope all is good!!

Hi! I had my surgery on 6/18 as well. I just went for follow-up appt on Monday. I have been having the same pain on the left side and mentioned it to my dr. I was told that the top left incision is right through the muscle (they cut right through the muscle) and the other incisions are between muscle fibers ( not cut through..) Then they sew the muscle back together really really really tightly so that it heals and doesn't pose a risk of a hernia. I was told this pain could last for several weeks. I would say my pain at times is 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 even this far after surgery. My dr gave me more pain meds- said to keep drinking and moving. Hope this helps some. Of course it wouldn't hurt to run this concern by your dr as everyone is different.

Hi Everyone -- thanks for your replies. I'm going to call my doc, just to make sure I didn't pull anything inside. Alex

I HAD MY SURGERY ON 6/20 AND STILL HAVE PAIN GRRRRR.. I called my surgeons office and htey said the pain on at side is normal due to the cut in the muscles.. said it waould be awhile before the pain goes away...!!! I still can't lift per my Dr's orders and I've heard of this pain lasting 4-5 weeks... Can't wait till I can bend again!! Good LUCK.........rae

Hi Alexandra, I had my surgery on 6/15 and I am having the same problem. My surgeon explained to me that I strained the stomach muscle that they cut through for the surgery. It made sense given the pain that I have. Unfortunately, we use our stomach (core) muscles for just about every movement. My surgeon stated that it is very common to strain this muscle after surgery. I was told it could take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to heal. I was frustrated because I could not get any exercising in. Even walking a little bit caused pain even beyond the pain meds. I just started water exercises last night and I seemed to be able to do a lot more so I am going to stick with that until the muscle heals. Hope this info helps. Take care, Sandi

so glad others are in same postion. I have been so mad at this damn apin on my left side. And I too tolerate pain with no problem, but I tried to walk the whole block the other night and made it half way, my surgery was the 29th but I think with it being done lap style we all think it aint going to be that bad, well we were all proven wrong I guess, cause yeah my left side hurts like hell if I turn wrong sit wrong breath wrong, and like i said i was really upset that i was walking a mile before surgery and now barely around the block, go****hought labor was hard.