Question:
My open RNY gave me permanent numbness below the incision

The area of numbness on my abdomen is larger than my outstretched hand, and extends from the horizontal incision at upper abdomen down to my navel--about 80 square inches. My doctor says it is from nerves getting cut, and it is common. Has anyone else even heard of this happening?    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 7, 2000)

May 7, 2000
80 square inches is a very large area. Get a second opinion. Numb areas generally return to normal over a long period, but this seems excessive
   — Mark R.

May 7, 2000
Hi, numbness around the incision is pretty commmon. However, it should go away after a few months. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.

May 8, 2000
This is common. I had a fairly horizontal open gallbladder incision about 12 years ago. I had a section which was permanently numb - feeling never returned. It always felt weird. But, yours is a fairly large area.
   — Cindy H.

May 8, 2000
I had a tummy tuck in 1997 and my whole stomach was numb. Most of the feeling is back except for the area around my belly button, still numb to this day. Take care...
   — DOROTHY A.

June 14, 2000
i had a wound on forehead and did not get nerve action back for 7 years...but it DOES return...nerve regeneration is a very slow process...
   — art S.