Question:
how much are they alike and different?

I have had 2 c-section w/ two very big babies. So I was wondering what is was like on open rny- are the side affect the same- pain and ect.?    — shannon M. (posted on November 13, 2002)

November 12, 2002
Hi Shannon, I also had two c-sections, big babies. I think the two operations are similar - remember after the c-section when if you laughed, coughed or other, your stomach felt like it was going to open up?? This doesn't seem as bad, although I did use a pillow whenever I walked or coughed/laughed, etc. I think it's not as bad because the scar is up higher, more middle of the belly than down low. The pain wasn't bad, the loss of food hurt more!! But overall, I do think both surgeries are very similar. Good luck! 10 months post op, down 90 lbs.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 12, 2002
I also had 2 c-sections (one after 16 hours of hard labor) and this was so much easier for me! I was in pain, mind you, but it was so much more tolerable than the c-sections. I agree with the previous poster, the incision is higher (mine is from breastbone to just inside my belly button), and it does make it easier to get in and out of bed. I wore a support belt and then even when I coughed I didn't need to hold myself, that also made a huge difference. Not sure of your size, but IF needed two belts can be velcroed together to make a larger size, I highly recommend using one. Good luck, remember sometimes our minds make this harder that it actually is, take care of you! Also, I agree, the mind hunger and desire for food the first few weeks is worse than anything!
   — Dana B.

November 13, 2002
I agree with the other ladies. I've had a C-section too and the pain was very similar. The hardest part with the WLS was bathroom hygiene. Bending was a little more difficult. After my C-section I hardly spotted. But with WLS I had a full blown period so it probably had more to do with that than the actual surgery. Lisa open rny 4/26/02 -107lbs
   — LisaTaz

November 13, 2002
I had two c-sections, also. Just had open RNY two weeks ago today, and I would say that in my case, they do not compare at all. To be really honest, the RNY was so much more painful. With the c-sections, I was able to get up and move around a lot easier than with the RNY. Prior to my surgery, one of my friends had told me that she compared her open RNY with her c-section and she considered them to be similar for pain, so when I went in for surgery, I thought that's what I'd be feeling. WRONG. I guess is just goes to show that everyone is different. BUT....I made it through the pain and that's all that matters in the end, right?
   — lezawomack

November 13, 2002
I have to agree with Leza. I have had 3 c-sections and I don't even think that the 2 surgeries compare. My sections were very painful but my open RNY was by far the worst and most painful thing I have been through in my life. BUT.....It also has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am 4 months and 1 week post op and have lost 70 lbs as of yesterday. Beginning weight was 253 and now I am at 183. I never would have thought I would be below 200 again in my life. And now I can say that I will NEVER be obese again. What a wonderful feeling to say that. My energy level is incredible and I feel so good about myself. I went to buy a pair of pants tonight and bought a size 11/12....unbelievable. I started out in a size 22. My kids have an energetic mom that they have never known. I keep telling them now in the store to hurry and catch up with me....lol. Well enough of my rambling. Good Luck
   — DRutherford

November 13, 2002
I found my open to be far LESS painful than either of my c-sections. It IS more restrictive in movements (twisting, reaching, etc.) but less painful. When I would cough with the c-section (bikini-cut by the way) it hurt like holy heck, but with the open the pressure of a pillow or my hands even helped ease 90% of the pain so it was more a discomfort. I could actually cough a good resounding cough with the open and with the c-section I would start to cough and it was more a whimper lol.
   — [Deactivated Member]