It hurts

I am 4 days post op and it hurts every time I try to take a deep breath at the bottom of my breast bone.  Also, it appears that one side of my tummy is more swollen than the other,  My left side kind of below my rib cage.  It seems to be where my liver would be located and I know your liver is jostled around during surgery.  Could that be where the pain is coming from?

My port is to the left of my umbilicus and I would guess that your port may also be there, so you could have more swelling & soreness there.  Your liver is higher up by your stomach.  Keep doing those deep breaths and coughs, 10x an hour to inflate your lungs.  That is good advice for any surgical patient, I'm a RN.

I agree with Kristi - keep doing your breathing.  did they give you one of those machines with the ball in it?  If you have any doubt - call your doc!

That is the EXACT location of my port and I had far more pain/swelling right there than anywhere else.  Actually, my port site was tender long after everything else had healed also.  So, it could be that...but yes, just like the others stated, call you doc.  But I bet it's the port, hence the reason that side is more swollen as well.  Best of luck and take care.

 I had pain below a breast, off to the right...felt like a rib was cracked, sort of like the pain you're describing, it'd happen when I'd take a deep breath. It went away after a few weeks, so I'm guessing it was either a muscle strained during surgery or a trapped gas bubble that needed to reabsorb. 

And like the other ladies said, I'd say the swelling is definitely port-related, I had the same thing, in the same place. You'll likely notice muscle pain (like you did too many situps) in that spot for a few weeks, especially if you cough/laugh/sneeze.

~Jen

Everyone has given great advice. You also want to watch for elevated temperatures and drainage at incision areas to rule out infection. You will be very sore, but the soreness is suppose to subside over time not worsen. It gets better, just be aware of your body and watch for these signs, if you notice any of them, go to the E.R. ASAP.

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I've been keeping a good eye on my wounds and they all look good.  No drainage or pain at the incision sites.  Just the pain on my left side.  I do know my port is there and the pain seems to be about 2 inches below the incision for the port.  I'll keep doing my breathing exercises.  I'm feeling pretty good other than the pain and being exhausted but I am trying to get plenty of rest.

Glad you're feeling better. Port pain for a couple of weeks after surgery is pretty normal, but like everyone else has suggested, if at all in doubt the first thing to do is call your doctor. Being tired after surgery is also pretty normal. I know it's difficult, but try to get in the recommended amount of both liquids (water, broth, etc) and protein that your doctor told you. That, and moving around as much as possible (even just walking around your house) will help you get your energy levels back up.  If you wuld like some great tips from a couple of us who have been successful for years you may want to join in our free call Wednesday evening- Take a look at it and sign up if you want to hear what we have to say www.bandedliving.com/public/The_10_Lessons_of_Successful_Lap _Band_Patients.cfm