Incesion Pain?

 I had the Gast Sleeve 2 weeks ago and I am having huge problems with my left side where my doctor pulled the stomache out of. It really burns and hurts when I sit a certian way and when I am bending over. I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow and I fear that I may not be able to go. Anyone else having this problem? Does any one have any suggestions on how to make it go away? I have even taken my liquid loratab and that does not help????  Cyndi

I didn't have that problem -- I had more gas and heartburn problems, but that definitely doesn't sound like that . . I didn't take the pain medication when I got home, but took Tylenol Liquid - Rapid Release and I got lots of relief from that --- but if you're taking the loratab, you probably shouldn't take that, also . . . depending on when you go back to the doctor, I would definitely give them a call tomorrow --- hope it subsides and you are able to go back to work tomorrow --- FAYE

Hello Cyndi, The pain you describe sounds a lot like the initial "port pain" that Lap Band postops have. The incision is about the same size and there's probably some muscle healing involved.  I had pain in this area for several weeks and from time to time, I still get flare ups. I brace this area with my band when bending or turning in bed (acutally talking about intimate times ... which might not be a concern for you ...yet). There seems to be some inflammation involved in my pain and Faye's suggestion of liquid tylenol makes good sense because of the anti-inflammatory factor. I use tylenol *and* a heating pad. The heating pad does wonders. Since you are so early postop you might want to put a towel between your skin and the heating pad, but this does help. I wish you well, Frances

Oh, how could I forget about the heating pad . . thanks Frances --- that was my best friend for at least 3 months after surgery (Gast Sleeve 11/07)--- I loved it --- I had to wean myself off of it because I became addicted and wanted to sleep with it all night (which they warn you against)--- it did me so much good --- and it was like it was my "security blanket" . . when I had it on my stomach (in between the sheet and the blanket  or like Frances said put a towel first) I felt like a million bucks --- hope you're feeling better .. . FAYE 

They put a stitch in the muscle to hold it together while it heals.  When you sit or turn a certain way, you are pulling at that stitch.   My suggestion...  when you sit, take it easy...  try using your arms to brace yourself in a chair that has armrests... and try not to turn the way that hurts the most...  It's like going Dr and telling him, "hey it hurts when I do this" and his response is "well then don't do that"...  LOL! You can take tylenol and use a heating pad...  it will take time...  By week 3, the incision pain was a thing of the past...  everyday is better than the last...