Question:
Wanting a pain comparison ... can you help?

I am posting this to people who have had two separate surgeries ... LAP Gallbladder and LAP RNY. I've just come through the LAP Gallbladder and the pain, was painful - but not HORRID. Now I'm wondering how that pain and healing time compares to the LAP RNY. If you have had two separate surgeries - can you tell me how it was with you?    — Allee Z. (posted on April 10, 2003)

April 10, 2003
Hi Allee ~ For me, the WLS was by far the easiest surgery to recover from. I have had a Lap tubal ligation, a vaginal hysterectomy and an OPEN RNY. Post-Op pain was much worse for the hysterectomy than the RNY. I was so surprised! My gall bladder was also full of stones, however, my surgeon just removed it during the WLS. So glad he did so I won't have to deal with it later. The Lap Tubal pain was also very minimal, with only some pain from the gas they use to extend the tummy while they're in there doing their thing. A dear friend of mine just recently had the Lap Gallbladder surgery and said it was a piece of cake! You're going to do wonderfully!! Your WLS Date will be here before you know it! ~~*hugs* Michelle, Open RNY 1/3/03, 71 lbs gone & counting!
   — chelle3081

April 11, 2003
Oh am I going to get flack for this..but... Pain is not something to be taken lightly as your body's pain threshold affects SO many other things. BUT..please concentrate on getting over it. Yes, it is easier said than done. I've been through several abdominal surgeries. Luckily I learned from the first one that not listening to the doctor is a BIG mistake. He/She really has dealt with patients in your same situation and knows what's to be expected. I really feel for those who feel so bad they can't muster the strength to get out of bed. Once the dr gives approval to move...do it. In the meantime, I am hoping for the best...preparing for the worst. I don't think I have an unusually high tolerance to pain, but for some reason I'm able to think beyond the moment and strive for tomorrow. Of course I wish I could say this about all aspects of my life, but when it comes to pain I'm pretty good. Now...let's see how I feel next Wednesday and then I'll let you know. Good luck.
   — Diane S.

April 11, 2003
I have had LAP hystorectomy and LAP gall bladder and open RYN and I felt that the LAP gall bladder removal hurt more than any of the other surgeries! I had the gall bladder out 13 weeks after my open rny. Good luck on your WLS! Julie -70.5 pounds in 17 weeks
   — Julie M.