Back pain + surgery question

Ever since my pregnancy in 2001 I've been unable to sleep on my back. I have tremendous back pain, mostly from weight but also have had bulging discs on occasion. I remember how I coped with, my c-section, but I think I was better able to lay on my side, or at least propped to the side when I was recovering from that, but how do you do it with the verticle incision of an open rny? Did any of you have back problems before, and did you find resting difficult to do? I'm of half a mind to sleep in a recliner, but I know the hotel I'll be at after surgery won't have a recliner. Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated! Dina

Dina, Sorry I cannot help with any ideas on your back pain. I am just wondering who is doing your surgery and why you are not having lap rny? I did and it was so much easier, as I have had the full cut 22 years ago to have my gall bladder removed. I had my lap rny on July 15 and have lost 110#s now. 2 more pounds and I will be just under 200#. Dr. Deveney at OHSU did my surgery and I loved that place and the care I got. I wish you the best. Tonya ps>I am in Winchester, Oregon.

Tonya - My insurance doesn't pay squat for the surgery, so I am headed to Mexico for the Open RNY as it's only $8500 with a highly recommended surgeon in Ensenada. Wish I could afford it here, but I can't. $20-30,000 is just way too rich for my blood. Dina

Dina, I am wishing the best for you. I have heard good things about the surgeon in Ensenada. Probably with weight loss your back pain will disappear. Good luck and God Bless. Tonya

Thanks Tonya - I know my back pain will get better once the weight comes off too. I just have to get through the first 50 lbs or so and I'm sure it's going to be a huge enormous difference for me. I just can't wait! Dina

Dina: I was able to go on my side while still in the hospital following surgery. You mostly have to watch out for your G-tube sticking out if you are on your left side. The binder you'll be wearing makes it feel safe to be on your side, so no worries. -Lesa

Lesa - Thanks so much for that info. I think that's going to make a huge difference for me. Were you able to sleep on your side in the motel afterwards? I wonder if I should take a body pillow - or maybe there will be enough extra pillows there where I can prop myself okay. We are staying at the Hotel Coral, so hopefully that will give us a comfortable stay! Dina

Hi Dina! I am able to sleep on my right side. My surgeon advised me to hold a pillow to my tummy when I'm on my side to support my inscision. It's also very comfortable. I also put a pillow between my knees...but some people use a full body pillow. I can't wait to get the NCJJ tube out of my left side so I can sleep on my tummy!! The first thing I wanted to do right out of the operating room was lay on my side...and I was able to, even with 4 tubes on that side. (I had an Open RNY) I know some people are very adverse the the idea of Open, but I preferred as it is the "Gold Standard" by which all other surgical treatment of obesity are measured. Lap procedures are new enough that there just aren't a lot of expereinced surgeons...let alone skilled. The complication risks are greater with Lap. I say all that the incourage you in your migration down south!! Good luck girly!! I can't wait to see all your posts complaining about liquid diets!! Take care! -Mary