OUCH!!

Was lying down last night and tried to get out of bed to go potty and felt a hellacious pain on the left side of my belly. I'm hoping I didn't do any damage... anyone else experience this? I guess I might have to go find a recliner... because sleeping upright on the sofa was no piece of cake either... Thanks, Erika C

Erika, I remember that pain! I found if I rolled over to my RIGHT side, and pushed myself up with my arms, I didn't have as much of that stabbing pain. I was able to sleep in bed, but spent the day in hubby's recliner b/c it was easier to get up/down and in/out of. Good luck & hope you're feeling better soon! Vickie J.

Almost everyone. It will ease over the next month or so. I rented a recliner for 3 weeks. It's the pulling of internal sutures where the distal stomach is tacked up to the abdominal wall. Couldn't lay flat at all. Some folks are more resilient than I was. I was a Wussy and just didn't know it. DN @ GOAL

Oh yes!!!! I still have that pain a bit but not as bad as when I first got home. I no longer need pain pills but still have to be careful how I get up and down. Try to use your legs and arms when you get up. It DOES get better. Good luck!!!!!

I'm 20 months post op but I still remember that pain in my left side. I asked my surgeon about it and he said some people feel it up to 6 months post op. I think mine finally went away around 2-3 months out. Hope you are doing well. luvitsunnyv

I related that pain to the G tube and the muscles that were cut. After the removal of the G tube, it got a lot better. To this day, my recliner is my best friend. I slept in it until I got the G tube out and whenever I feel "bad" or a litte rough, that is where I head. I would recommend using the recliner tight after surgery to everyone. Of course, I bought a new one, that was semi-stuffed and really comfy and easy to get to recline so I did not have to use my whole body to get it in the reclining position.

I agree with everyone else. It is normal, and it does take time to heal. I slept with my little pillow over my stomach, sat with my little pillow, and just recently started sleeping without it. I used it to splint my stomach, and protect it. Remember, there was a lot of work done in your stomach, think about it, the old stomach went through alot, the intestines, the new pouch.... You've got reason to be tender. Don't give up, and take your pain meds when you need it! Blessings, Tami