Question:
Is there alot of pain after open RNY, will I have flabby skin after I lose the weight

I was wondering if I will have a flabby stomach after I lose my weight. I'm 5'3 and weigh 300lbs, I'm 23yrs old. Thanks for answering my questions, you guys have been great. There's so many questions I have    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on April 20, 2003)

April 19, 2003
Hi, I am 27, 5'5 was 267# now 155# and just turned 7mo. post-op open rny. I get upset over my skin on my tummy and arms, but really it's not that bad, it keeps skrinking with time and I believe b/c of my youth. I won't wear sleeveless shirts yet(almost) and I will wear shirts that show some of my tummy. I am not going back for reconstructive surgery, looks like I won't need it. Good luck on your journey :o)Also...pain after surgery, I can tell you OUCH! But it is so worth it!!!!
   — Sandy M.

April 20, 2003
Everyone's pain threshold is different. I felt pain, but it was not anything I ever felt I could not handle. After a couple of weeks, it subsided greatly. And as for flabby skin, again everyone's skin texture is different and certainly AGE has a lot to do with the outcome. I am OLD ;) and I expect saggy skin, but that saggy skin is NO way as ugly as my fat body was. I don't know if I want to do surgery to fix the saggy skin. ONE surgery was enough for me. For now anyway. Just like having a baby, somehow after a while you FORGET the 'pain' and you are ready to do it again. Maybe it will work this way for me and I will finish the job. Feeling healthy is such a fine and liberating feeling. So far it has ALL been worth the journey. Good luck to you. (Open RNY 10/30/02 down 132lbs)
   — Ginger M.

April 20, 2003
Hi Cheryl! I had OPEN RNY on 03/24/03 and am 32 years old. I am 5'5" and 256 lbs on the day of surgery. I have to say the first few days in the hospital is when I felt the most pain. And even then it was tolerable. I have not taken any pain pills since I have been home. I wrecked my brain prior to surgery thinking I would be in so much pain. I feel very blessed that there has been little to no pain at all. I have since lost 25 lbs and my skin is starting to sag on my arms a little. But after my six week check up I plan on doing some light weight lifting to help with that. But you are young and the elasticity in your skin is mora and likely far greater than mine. Good Luck to you!
   — Steph P.

April 20, 2003
Hi Cheryl, I had open rny in July of 2002. I'd have to say that the only pain I felt, post-surgery, felt like sore muscles (like I had done too many sit-ups). I discontinued my pain meds after the second day and have had very few sore moments since. Prior to surgery, pain was my biggest fear...fortunately, I found it completely tolerable. I hope you have the same experience. Take care.
   — Pat R.

April 20, 2003
I had open RYN 10-30-02. I'm 5'8 and started at 329 and am now down to 249. As far as pain, I had a great deal during the first few days in the hospital, and was hurting at home for the first couple of weeks. But, it was not unbearable. Tylenol 3 really helped. Don't let the possible pain discourage you! I would do it over again eventhough I now know how much pain there was. Just remember, everyone is different. I might have been in a lot of pain while others may not. It's just something for you to consider along with a lot of other pre-op considerations. As far as a flabby stomach, you probably will be ok since you are young. Skin is very resiliant at your age. I have know several people who were in their 20s and one who was 30 who have had the surgery and they did not have flabby stomachs after about a year. Of course, they all three started to exercise to help with their muscle tone, too. I'm 41 and my skin/flab has not been so lucky!:) I wish you all the best in your journey. It will change your life. God bless.
   — lezawomack