Question:
I had surgery Friday May 29th and am having sharp pains

near and to the left of my belly button. It feels like sharp stabs/pulling the skin feels sensative in that area too. When I left the hospital I had this but then it got better and now it is back. I know just to the left of that area is where my drain was and where most of the work from the surgery (RNY) was done but I am not sure why this pain is so bad now. It feels like I just got home from the hospital. A few have told me it could be my nerves finding their way and healing, along with my abs. I was off the pain med but now I am back on. It is hard to walk right now and before I was walking 30 min a day. I just hope this is apart of the healing process. Has anyone else had this or felt this?    — MyOrchids (posted on June 8, 2009)

June 8, 2009
I experienced the same pain. It should go away within 2 weeks post op. It is simply the healing process. I cried from pain for about a week since I refuse to take meds. I wanted to know how long it takes to heal. First few days post op were the worst. My left side beneath my ribs was killing me. Caughing or laughing.........let me not even think about it. But all this will go away. Try to walk as much as you can and drink as much water as you can. Stick to the liquid diet as long as you can and you will see the water weight drop off quickly. Be prepared for some of the weight to come back when you start eating food, it's only normal. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. Giane
   — gianeroma

June 8, 2009
Heather Have you talked to your Doctor ?? You had major surgery and never assume that it will just go away !! Your Doctor should know what going on !! Mike
   — matigian

June 8, 2009
HiHeather..As the second person mentioned..call your DR. They are the ones to decied what is normal..we here are only the patients. I had my sur (RNY) a year ago..and had pain and weighted several days after I came home to call the DR..well it ment another weeks stay for ME. That does not mean it would be the same for you or anyone else. It is ALWAYS best to check with the person that did the surg. Congrats on the surg and new way of life!
   — tootsie52

June 8, 2009
HI...aside from speaking to your doctor...make sure u are drinking all your water. I had pains so severe when I came home from the hospital that I thought I was gonna pass out...it was that I was dehydrated. I started carrying my water bottle around w/ me everywhere and It didnt happen again.
   — elimeno

June 9, 2009
I had pain because I tried to do too much too fast and I had to slow down and take it easy. I did call my doctor about it. I also had an alergic reaction to the stitches and got an infection at two of the wound sites. I went to my doctor and got an antibiotic to clear it up. I've had 4 previous abdominal surgeries and I know that if you are having sharp pain the doctors want to know right away. They may tell you it's ok and not to worry and make sure you take it easy and they may check more thouroughly but I know they would want to know about this pain. I hope you feel better soon. I felt great at 3 weeks out.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich