For post-op LAP RNY's....

How long were you sore along the left side where most of the lap instruments were used? I don't mean PAIN pain, but if you stretch or bend a little or just move around, it feels sore. I'm just over 3 weeks out, and mine is constantly sore... the only place on my abdomen that's like that. All my incisions are healed. If I walk around without my binder, it still feels like that part of my body wants to fall out and it hurts... not to the point of needing pain meds, but it's bothersome. When I saw Dr. Wood a week ago, he said it was normal. I didn't ask him "for how long".... Any input is appreciated! Beth Down 22 lbs. in 3 weeks

Beth I'm not quite 4 weeks and I still feel like someone used salad tongs or chop sticks inside me. Today I'm FINALLY starting to feel a bit less sore. Sheryl In the Zoo

Hi Beth, I had surgery Dec 1,05 and have lost 54lbs. That left side you are talking about was HELL! It hurt me for about 3 1/2 weeks. After I started excersizing and moving around more it got extremely better. Dr. Kole told me some people have that pain, some don't. I guess we are the some that do, lucky us! I do say though, as of today I feel so good! I used to think that ripping feeling would never go away, but it does. At first when I use to walk I would hold my left side with my hand. I held it so tight I put a hand print bruises on my side. The binder sometimes felt as if it was pulling my belly down. I found panty girdles to be a better choice for me. I hope I've helped you a bit. Hang in there I promise it does get better!! Deborah

I am 4 weeks post-op today and my left side hurt and still hurts I think we wre all bruised inside.. I did not use a binder but it sure felt better if I wrapped a warm towel around myself in the evenings. I think it will just take time for us to feel totally better. We had Major surgery so even though it looks good on the outside the inside is still swollen and bruised from the poking and prodding.. Just take it easy and if it gets unbearable call your doc... (((HUGS))) Dori

Beth, According to my notes, in my massive goldmine that I kept, it was at about 7 weeks that the "stitch in my side" finally started to give me a little rest and I no longer felt like someone was trying to pull my insides out through my ribs. Hope that helps. By the way, I underwent two surgeries, 6 weeks of hospital stays and 12 weeks of IV antibiotic treatments as well, none of which would have too much bearing on the "stitch in the side" pain. I never ever wore a binder, but my doctor did recommend some valium and tylenol to help relieve the muscle tension that had built up which was what caused the pain under that rib area. Out of that bottle of 30 pills he gave me I still have 25. Don't wait too late to call for relief like I did. Jill

Had mine 2 months ago to this day and no pain but at first if i walked to much or over did it i would feel it but its healing so just know its normal. Take care Susan Mettert