Question:
Pain wise how does Rny compare to having a c-section

I have had two c-section how much different is it pain wise to having the Rny surgery?    — Angela S. (posted on March 19, 2001)

March 19, 2001
I had a c-section in Feb of 98....so I was feeling oh yeah..the pain must be similar, and I was able to manage a c-section along with a newborn baby at home, which included all those nesting duties when you come home with a baby. But the pain of a open RNY is similair...I would have to say....except that the incision is up and down your abdomen, which makes your motherly duties extremely difficult and painful. There is no way to pick up your child, bend over to pick up house, do laundry or stand at the sink to do dishes, even if loading in the dishwasher. They cut a totally different set of stomach muscles.,.with the c-section...at least I could roll out of bed...with the RNY I cant even do that...I sleep in a rocker recliner. I must remind you though....I am still a very new post op, I had surgery 3/12/01 and have been home only a few days now. So this is the experience of a c-section mom at 8 days post op. Things do get easier day by day, as did with the c-section, except that my baby Zach made all the pain disappear then...now he just keeps reminding me that he wants juice...or a turkey cheese sandwich every 30 minutes. Thankfully I have my familys help, and they bow to his every 3 year old wish. =o)
   — Kimberly N.

March 19, 2001
I've had 3 c-sections, and for me, the pain with my LAP RNY was very different. It seemed worse, but it could have had something to do with not having that newborn baby to "show" for all the pain I was going through. The pain really did subside tho, and now, 4 months out, I'd certainly do it again.
   — Marnie K.

April 5, 2001
I had an emergency C-Section in december 1989 and it went up and down (rather than the customary bikini cut) and I find that the Open RnY is not as painful. I'm only 2 weeks post-op from my RnY but I am pleasantly surprised that it's not as bad as the c-section was. Seems like they cut through more muscles with the c-section than they did with the RnY -- maybe because there's a rib cage closer that offers some support... i don't know.. this is just my experience.
   — Karen V.

January 20, 2003
Had 3 c-sections and was expecting the same amount of pain but I believe I had more with open RNY. Just my opinion
   — Julie C.