The days following surgery

Hi everyone, my name is Tara and I am new here. I have my RNY surgery scheduled for March 21st. I've been reading a lot of posts just trying to be prepared on what to expect and I came across one that mentioned horrible gas pains and diarrhea the day following surgery. I am curious if this is normal to expect or rare? What was your experience like the first few days following surgery? TIA

I had neither of those issues! Very minimal pain and I recovered well. I was up and walking as soon as the nurse would let me. I think that was Key!

I've got Gas X strips on my list of wat to bring to the hospital, just in case. I heard someone say they brought a heating pad for their shoulders to help with the gas pains from the actual surgery, too.

They pump some kind of gas/air into you abdominal cavity when they do the surgery, helps them work on you. At some point your body processes that and releases it. Some people get more pain than others, even pain in your shoulder from it (Don't know why). About three days out, I passed a ton of gas...not overly painful, but for some people it is.

Laparoscopic procedures involve insufflation of gas into the abdomen.  This causes an increase in gas within the  in intra-abdominal area and some mild to moderate pain.  The pain can also be re-ferred into your back under your shoulder blades.  My original surgery was open, but my hernia repair was laparoscopic and I did experience some discomfort.    Get up and walk as soon as you can, that will help with your recovery and also any "gas pains"   Diarrhea was not an issue that early post op for me.  I had little to nothing on my stomach.   

Once I got home, I progressed through my post op diet and took it one day at a time.  I had no complications recovering and tolerated most foods well.   I was a little tired the first few days, but that is to be expected.  Just be sure to get your protein, fluids and vitamins in and you will be set! 

Good luck, 

Nik