Question:
When does the severe pain STOP?

I am 15 days post op and still having severe pain. I'm comfortable as long as I sit or lay, but when it comes time for me to get up, walk, or stand, FORGET ABOUT IT! I am so tired of hurting all the time. When can I expect to see light at the end of the tunnel, and what can I do to help ease the severe pain? I stay away from the prescription pain meds the Dr. gave because they make me TIRED and VERY LOOPY, and ocassionally I take 2 Tylenol, but it seldom provides any relief. And if it does, it's extremely short lived. My pain is so awful, that I regret having this surgery! Please, someone out there help shed some light.....Thank you....Signed Heather in Florida, Down 33 lbs in 15 days. : )    — Heather W. (posted on May 19, 2001)

May 19, 2001
You are 15 days out from having had major surgery. You ask "what's wrong with me" well how about just that? You were cut open from breast bone to navel all of your major organs were moved and muscle was also cut, then your stomach was altered in size and shape and to add insult to injury your intestines were cut and re routed. What did you expect? Now you complain that your pain meds make you tired and loopy. Take the meds go to sleep let your body heal and each day you will feel a little better than the day before. Many of us have suffered through this (maybe more quietly)and we are fine now, you will be too. Congratulate yourself for having the courage to get the surgery take that pain med as perscribed , not as you want it. Get into bed and rest. I will pray for your recovery. I don't mean to be so harsh with you , but you need to realize what you have gone through. When you get people on here saying they were washing walls and scrubbing floors at 2 days post op , don't listen to them. You are not Brunhilda the vikeing you are a delicate flower, and must treat yourself accordingly.
   — Rose A.

May 19, 2001
I will also pray for your pain to ease. Also, if you are not feeling well from the pain medication talk to your doctor...there are hundreds of pain meds maybe this one is not for you and it makes it difficult to function. I have not had the surgery yet, so I am not an expert on OWLS but, it is a serious major surgery as the other posts say and everyone deals with pain differently. I hope by the time you get this you will be feeling better. But, do call and ask for a different pain medication. I have had surgery's and I do know that I could not tolerate some types of pain pills. Take Care..!
   — Karen Renee

May 19, 2001
Heather, It's okay girl! Get loopy! I took the maximum amount of my pain meds for the first 2 weeks, and had to go get them refilled. Each day is better, I promise. I am now a little over 4 weeks out, and I still have a little muscle pain, if it get's unbearable I take my vicodin. It makes me sleepy, goofy, and loopy, but that's okay. I'd rather feel that than the pain. When I first got home I regretted it myself. I thought, "What in the world have I done to myself?" But it gets a little better each day, and now I'm feeling almost back to normal. Good luck with everything, and take those pain meds! Ms. Wannalookgood, Yougonnalookgood!! Kim -40lbs, 4 weeks.
   — Kim B.

May 19, 2001
Heather, I am now 5 1/2 weeks postop. My first 3 weeks I wanted to die. I feel wonderful now. It seems I took a turn around the 4th week. I know how you feel I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life but my attitude has changed alot. It will get better you will notice each day gets a little easier. Good luck and stay positive.
   — susan V.

June 19, 2003
I AM 7 DAYS POST OP, AND HAD PLANS ON BEING BACK TO WORK BY NOW, (SINCE I DID NOT HAVA A LOT OF SICK TIME LEFT). BUT LET ME TELL YOU - THE PAIN THAT I AM HAVING ON THE LARGEST CUT OF THE FOUR INCISIONS THE ONE TO THE LEFT OF THE BELLY BUTTON - IS LIKE BEING STABBED BY A LARGE BUTCHER KNIVE EVERYTIME I MOVE. IT'S HOT, SEARING PAIN, IMPOSSIBLE TO OVERLOOK OR IGNORE. I TAKR 4 MG OF DILAUDID EVERY 4 HOURS AND IT DOES NOT TOUCH IT. I FOUND ANOTHER POST REFERRING TO THE SAME PAIN TITLE "BELLY BUTTON PAIN". iT SENT ME TO THE EMERG ROOM, 5 DAYS POST OP. i JUST KNEW SOMETHIBG HAD TORN BUT NOPE - ALL TEST WERE NORMAL, NOT A THING WRONG. DRS SAID IT WAS JUST TRAUMA PAIN, SINCE THATS THE OPENING FROM WHERE EVERYTHING IS DONE - ALL THE INSTRUMENTS GO IN THERE AND ALL THE GUTS COME OUT OF THERE TOO. SO I HAVE SURRENDERED OVER TO TIME'S MERCY AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HEALING, IT IS COMING, RIGHT???? HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCES THIS, PLEASE SHARE WITH ME.
   — YOLANDA R.