Question:
How long does it generally take for the tenderness in the tummy to go away?

I am 3 weeks post op and very tender in the belly, even to the touch. How long does it take to feel normal. I realize I am only 3 weeks, but I thought it would be better by now.    — SANDIE S. (posted on November 19, 2003)

November 19, 2003
Sandie, I don't know if you mean your incision or actually inside. I had lap surgery - but I thought my stomach area (just under my rib cage) seemed very tender for easily a couple months (I'm nearly 6 mos. post now) and even still sometimes I think it seems a little tender and itchy. Not a lot, don't think that. But a little. If I knew what I know now - I would be MUCH more careful of myself as I recuperated. I think I kind of rushed back to things and now I know my body was a lot more seriously 'injured' than it looked. So be patient and TAKE CARE OF YOU!!
   — Allee Z.

November 19, 2003
Do you have any redness, is the site warmer than the rest of your skin, any drainage? Those symptoms plus the tenderness could be signs of an infection. I don't think I was that tender after my WLS. But I just had a hernia repair and had those symptoms and ended up with a wound infection that had to be opened up. Contact your doctor if it continues or you have the other symptoms. Good Luck
   — Kelly B.

November 19, 2003
I am six months out almost and still have tenderness in my belly. I think mine is the big scar because I had the open rn y.
   — Leslie G.

November 20, 2003
I am 17 days post-op lap rny. My belly is tender on the left side. I notice that each day it gets better. Last night I could sleep on my right side. Hurrah. We are close in dates e-mail me and we can discuss the way we feel and how we are progressing.
   — JoAnn P.

November 21, 2003

   — Evett B.