stupid question

Hello, I will be getting the Rny or lap band surgery in a few months. The question I have is how much pain are you in, when you wake from having the sugery. I want to be totally prepared before hand. Could some of you write me to tell me how your hospital experience was. Whether you just had alot of pain, or a little, and what it felt like. I just had my gall bladder removed Tueday, and i felt that was a piece of cake. I mean having your gall bladder removed it a major surgery, but i am sure it will be ten times worse having the surgery, or is it? Thank you stephanie

Stephanie: For me this surgery was not a problem. Very little pain, and I really didn't need my pain med except for sleeping at night when I got home. I have heard others say they were in a lot of pain. I wonder if it's because I am older (48). The ones that had a lot of pain were in their 30's. I have heard others say that gall bladder surgery is awfully painful, so you just don't know. My problem wasn't the pain from surgery, it was the nausea that stopped me from walking right after surgery. I didn't throw up, but it felt close! They gave me a few extra hours and then I could walk a little ways, then a few more hours and I was doing much better. Some people don't have that, either. It is highly individualized, I think. I had my surgery laproscopically, so that would be different if you are having yours open, too. One pain that hurt was an incision to the left of my belly button. It was the nerves healing and that one burned like crazy. I found that pressure helped that alot. I held my hand on it and then finally I tied my robe belt over it and it helped. I had expected a lot more pain than I actually had, that's for sure! Take care, Pam

Hey there I just had the surgery on the 15th of March. When i woke up, I didnt feel anything. And I was so scared that I would be in so much pain. The only thing I felt was the "gas" it wasnt painful, but it was more like a pressure. Like I did one to many sit-ups. If you have any other ?s let me know email me [email protected] Since I just had its pretty fresh in my memory. Kimberley

Hi Stephanie: I didn't have any pain issues either. I barely used my do-it-yourself pain meds in the hospital, and although my husband filled the prescription for when I came home...I never even cracked the lid on it. Everybody's different though. If you are like me, you could take the realist point of view. Prepare yourself for pain and/or discomfort since it is a major surgery. And then when things go a little easier than what you anticipated you can be pleasantly surprised...lol. Best of luck. Maria W.

I personally feel that everyone's pain threshold is different. I had a c-section and I was on the pain pump for the first 24 hours. After that, I had to get my meds orally from the nurse and I would wait until I couldn't stand it before I would ask. I was in for 3 days. Once I went home, I never took anything stronger than tylenol and only for the first 2 days home. Right now I have a fractured rib. It hurts, but Im not taking any pain meds. Im uncomfortable, but not to the point I feel I should be popping pills all day long, even though I was given a script for pain. Some people can tolerate more pain, others less. Im guessing if gallbladder surgery didn't bother you much, WLS probably won't either.

Stephanie, When I woke up, I raised myself up a little and thought THEY DIDN"T OPERATE on my stomach! Now it did feel like they cut my foot off (it was pain from 7 hrs on the table) but my stomach was fine. I did on occassion use my pain pump but very little. Sheryl In the Zoo

Dear Stephanie: My surgery was open RNY performed in July 2005. My memory recalls no pain, even though I was hooked up to a morphine drip, I rarely used it. I was walking the next day, took it easy, and just recall the only tickling I felt was my staples (about 20-30) coming out in August. That felt odd but it did not hurt by any means. Pre op I was so calm and un nervous that I was just myself and relaxed. Post surgery I recall being on the phone with people, but I don't remember who I spoke to at all- my friend would come in and I'd be on the phone but could not tell her who I was talking to. I barely recall my stay. I had surgery on Tuesday and was released that Friday. Preparing your spirit for a smooth operation as well as your brain and mental being will help. I did. I kept in my heart and my head that it will go perfect, and it did. And having a wonderful surgeon doesn't hurt. I think that you have to feel very comfortable with this person/professional and know deep within that this is the right choice for you and just keep a positive attitude about it all. Don't open unecessary windows to let in doubt. Wishing you perfection every step of the way!!!

Not a stupid question at all. Remember everyone is different. I was at worst uncomfortable wih open RNY. The hospital took great care of me as did my surgeon. My lipectomy was excruciating and I knew that going in. Even with the pain ball and vikes I was still feeling it. Again my surgeon took good care of me and the hospital people were cool. Get this, My surgeon thanked me for selecting him. He saves my life and fixes me up and then thanks me. kp @ goal

thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, all of you offered great advice. thanks again. stephanie