Question:
I just had surgery for my 2 hernias

I had hernia repair surgery on 7/20. I am just now able to sit up in a chair. I can't believe the pain I am in. I thought the gastric bypass was painful, but this takes the cake. I had the open incision so the surgeon of course went back through there. he also tighten muscles and made my scar smaller, he said he took away some loose skin around the scar so it would be tighter in that area. I just wanted to know if others had this awful experience with pain as I have. it is almost unbearable. I almost fainted when I first tried to walk to the bathroom. thank god my husband and daughter have been here the whole time. I have drank plenty of liquids and all the stuff I am supposed to like starting to walk around more. I just didnt imagine it being so awful. Im sure som think Im a baby but I tolerate pain pretty well, I think. I also have a "new" belly button or moved one, so Im sure that has some to do with the pain. well thanks for letting me vent , I always feel better when I go on this site to ask a ? it has helped me from the beginning of my journey to now. any advice welcomed. thanks 286/169    — taterbug898 (posted on July 23, 2006)

July 23, 2006
One of the most important things you can do is take your pain meds so you will have better pain control, which will lead to being able to walk and move better. That will help the healing process along. You just had major abdominal surgery, and had probably every muscle touch, rearranged or cut so it is completely normal to be in a lot of pain as you are. Your stomach muscles are used for sitting, standing, moving, breathing, and everything else so be easy on yourself, rest and enjoy your new YOU!!!
   — scharlier

July 23, 2006
Walk as much as possible it prevents you from developing DVT and also breaks up the gas. The move you move the less painful it will get. If you nurse the incision it's going to take longer to heal. Down the road I'm suppose to have the same surgury myself. Don't do any lifting heavier then a new born baby for a good 8 weeks or more until the incision has totally healed. Your not being a baby just hurting and worried. I wish you well with the healing process.
   — Deborah Joyner

July 23, 2006
From all the accounts I have heard (I haven't yet had the TT yet myself), this is pretty much par for the course. I think the key, as the one person mentioned, is to keep on top of the pain. Make sure you are well doped up and stick with it religiously. Once you get behind on the pain meds, I have heard it can be like hell trying to get relief. Yes, I have always heard how much more painful the TT/hernia repair is over the open rny incision. I figure I have to really gear up for it because I had a painless open RNY, so in comparison I'm really in for trouble. Lead me to the IV pain meds! LOL!
   — Dinka Doo

July 23, 2006
I am only 7 months post-op and have not yet considered plastic surgery. I am not suferring from a hernia. But I have be told by just about every person I have met that has had plastic surgery that it is PAINFUL. Far worse than the WLS. But the pain will pass and you will look and feel great! The recovery just takes longer. I have not met anyone you has regreted getting the plastic sugery, but the stories are all the same. PAINFUL.
   — WMKaisla

July 24, 2006
I noticed that you did not mention use of a binder, when I had my surgeries done the binder became my best friend for weeks after, you have to make sure that the binder is worn low on the stomach so as to cover the entire area. My friend just had a tummy tuck done and when I went to see her she was in a lot of pain even though she was wearing her binder. The problem was she was not wearing it snug enough nor in the right area, they will ride up on you but it does help with movng around and stopping the pulling feeling that happens with any stomack surgery. I hope this helps you, my TT was one of the best things I have ever done for just me, the pain was there but afterwards wow!! what a difference. p.s. if you don't have a binder ask your dr. for a prescription for one with a full face of velcro and not just the strips of velcro, it makes it eaiser to adjust for snugness and not too tight. Good luck
   — msloverluva