Question:
At 10 weeks post, could I have caused myself a problem by lifting?

I Am currently ten weeks post op and have been feeling great. Yesterday I did some spring cleaning and lifted many heavy things over the day. I now have pain in my stomach area as well as my stiches, is it possible that I tore my stiches inside? I am worried maybe it is a hernia? can someone give advise how I can tell if there is a problem? thank you Judy    — judy G. (posted on March 19, 2001)

March 19, 2001
When you get a hernia, sometimes you can feel a bubblelike feeling roll through the area. It's not the little bubbles like gas, but a big giant one. That was my experience once. You've still got lots of tender spots inside too, so you may have just strained the area some. I did that playing baseball shortly after a different surgery. Take is easy for a couple of days, and if it's not better soon, call the doctor. If it fits, you might also feel better wearing your binder too.
   — Amy K.

March 19, 2001
I am a single mom of a toddler and went thru this with little or no help and unfortunately did a little more than I was supposed to as well ... and popped a stitch inside. (I had an open RNY.) When I went to ask my doctor about it, he said it was not a problem, there are a LOT of stitches in there holding it all together, that I should take it easy for a little longer, use my binder, and that was it. A few days later, I felt fine again. I don't know if this is exactly your situation or not, but I hope it helps. Feel better!
   — Beth B.