Question:
4 days postop with pain & stool question

I just had lap RNY done on Monday. It's Thursday now and I'm happy to be home. I only take the pain meds at night. The nurses and Dr were in awe of my progress in the hospital. I was let out of the hospital with no tubes! Last night I had my first bowel movement and I don't know if the dark green black stuff with lots of gas is normal? I also have terrific pain, mostly at night, on my left side. When will this stuff go away? I still need assistance when whipping my tush which has not been a great experience.    — Colleen S. (posted on November 15, 2002)

November 14, 2002
I had lap-RNY 10/9/02 and my left side did not stop hurting until 5 weeks post-op. Just remember every day you'll feel better and better and that will help you endure.
   — Wanda R.

November 14, 2002
Congrats on your fresh start. I had Lap on 7/31/02. The "poop" thing will be strange for a while at least in my experience. I think it is because your empty and only on liquids in my case. Nothing solid in there meant nothing solid coming out. Really gassy and that is a good thing because gas can really hurt if it stays in. I had left side pain like crazy that was really scary at first but then I called and during my followup asked what the pain was and it was a muscle spasm behind the biggest incicion on my left side. That is apparently the "hole" that they took the stapler, gall bladder, etc in and out of so the doctor said it will be the biggest incision and probably the most painful if you get the spasms which I did. It lasted what seemed like an eternity but was probably only 2-3 weeks intermittently (spelling). I wanted to lie down and not move and that really made it worse. Once I got off my butt and walked I felt alot better. (I guess sometimes husband's are correct, but only sometimes LOL) In hind sight should have walked more and further early on and I truly believe it would have gone away quicker, but ask your surgeon just in case thats why they get the big bucks. Good luck to you!! Penny LAP RNY 7/31/02 -55
   — pcollin4

November 16, 2002
I am 6 months post op, but I had the same experience that you're having when I first had my surgery. My poop was dark, smelly, sludge which I assume is fat coming out of your system. It's horrible and it lasts about a month as you start to introduce foods and carbs back into your diet the smell lessens but there are still times when I have that type of b.m. Then I lost some weight, so I've attributed it to being a good thing. Hang in there, and tell your wiper to do the same. It will get better
   — MURRAY