Question:
Is pain worse with RNY than with hysterectomy?

I had a complete hysterectomy 2 years ago and did great. I was really expecting it to hurt more than it did. However, I was surprised by the gas pains for 3 weeks afterward. I wasn't aware that was going to happen. I am now considering open RNY. If the pain is going to be worse than with the hysterectomy I can handle it, I just want to know ahead of time so I can mentally prepare for it. I don't like surprises.    — Tina H. (posted on September 11, 1999)

September 11, 1999
I haven't had the WLS, but I have had two abdominal surgeries and also a bikini line hysterectomy incision. I think the reason the hysterectomy surgery was surprisingly somewhat painless, is that the incision is in an area that doesn't require much use of that area's muscles to move about. Whereas, any abdominal surgery involve the cutting of muscles, etc., is in an area (abdominal) where muscles are used constantly to move about. I had a kidney stone removed (back in the stone age - ha ha) - stone age, get it? and I thought moving about was rather laborious for a few days, but with the hysterectomy, I was jumping about in a matter of hours. Even my second abdominal surgery - removal of gallbladder which was over 10 years after the kidney stone was easier than the stone. Just hang in there and just think how wonderful it's going to be in a month or two. I can hardly wait!
   — Sandy C.

September 11, 1999
I must have had an unremarkable recovery because I had not pain whatsoever, just minor incisional pain. I took no pain mets at the hospital and none when I went home.
   — Richard T.

September 11, 1999
Yes, no. You're more TENDER because of where the incision is made. And it's an area that it under strain all the time, up down, twist, turn. So, it's more tender. But if a burn is a 10, then the hystie is a 4, this might be a 4 or 5. Barring complications, of course. Upper abdomin is a nuisance because they part your muscles like a curtain. Feels like your worse day gardening!
   — vitalady

September 11, 1999
Hi Tina: I agree with Michelle, the answer is yes and no. I had an abdominal hysterectomy and an open RNY. The pain is about the same intensity but different in a way that's difficult to describe. Certainly it's not a lot worse than the hysterectomy. Just use your pain meds and you'll get through it. A lot of people say they don't need the pain meds, but they make life so much more managable (it's easier to get out of bed, walk, and use the bathroom for example). Also, as a nurse I can tell you that once you let pain get beyond a certain point, no amount of medication will take it away. You need to decide for yourself how much pain you can endure, and act accordingly. I had the PCA morphine for both of my surgeries, and it was wonderful! I got to decide when I needed it and when I didn't. Good luck!
   — Jaye C.

September 11, 1999
I thought the RNY was MUCH worse than my hysterectomy ....LOL..but..I was 25 years older with the RNY than I was with the Hyst. I had really awful gas with the hysterectomy too...mainly cause they didn't make you get up and move... your incision is in a different..and touchier..I think.. part of your abdomen..I know I sure found it VERY difficult to not hurt every time I moved...the pump helps a LOT though..and every persons different..I'm sure you'll get posts telling you it was a snap compared to a hysterectomy...
   — Deanna D.

April 21, 2001
I have used your very example to other folks-Everyone told me how bad the hysterectomy would be and for me is just wasn't that bad. However, when I had my gastric bypass, I thought it was much worse. You can kind of cradle your stomach, but you don't realize how often and differently you use your upper body. Bending is an owwie, and twisting your body is guaranteed to be an out of body experience. The good news is that if the pain is bad, you call the pain men and ask for a bit of help. Getting up the first time is bad though, because you cannot roll sideways or twist and it kind of looks like a magician's levitation act when you get the hang of it. Also, beware of bending over for awhile because it feels like all of your gizzards are going to try to leap through that gap in your breastbone. What fun! You go girl-you'll be great!
   — [Anonymous]