Question:
I had surgery a few weeks ago and have not had an once of pain, until yesterday.

I have a 16 month old daughter and have been lifting her so I don't know if I pulled or ripped something on my left side of my stomach. I called the docter but they haven't gotten back to me yet, should I be concerned?    — Deborah M. (posted on April 24, 2003)

April 24, 2003
Yes, I would be concerned. In my opinion, you shouldn't be lifting that much weight. If you don't hear from your doctor soon, I would call again. Just to be on the safe side. You have to be real careful for hernias after this surgery.
   — Kim L.

April 24, 2003
Deborah, I would call again and make sure you get in touch with them. I agree with the previous poster- you really shouldn't be lifting that much weight so early. I know its hard b/c you want to lift your baby, but its so important not to b/c you don't want to strain anything. You may have just pulled a muscle or something, but I would check with your surgeon or PCP just in case. And take it easy- although YOU feel fine, your stomach still needs to recover! Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 24, 2003
Did you have the procedure lap? With the lap RNY, my doc allowed me to pick up my 2 year old twins after a week and I didn't have a problem. I did have an adhesion though a few weeks out that felt like I ripped or pulled something.
   — mom2jtx3

April 24, 2003
I started having really bad pains three weeks post op. My back, my sides, and my stomach. My Dr. said it was where the retractors tore the muscle and it is starting to heal back. So if you had an open surgery this could be the reason. I started taking my pain pills and putting a heating on it and now it is better.
   — Mercy P.

April 24, 2003
I had a certain type of abdomial surgery in Nov 89. I was told NOT to lift more than 5 pounds. So stupid me I walked around the store with a gallon of milk. Later I pulled out the hood release of the car and felt a "snap" inside my gut. A few hours later I was hemeraging inside and ended up in the hospital. Thankfully I did'nt need surgery but I was packed with cotton up inside to stop the bleeding. Not fun at all. With WLS if they said don't lift more than 5, I would'nt lift ANY! And not to for, what was it, eight weeks? I did'nt for twice that long. I was not going to repeat 1989! Do be careful, and keep bugging your doctor!
   — Danmark

April 25, 2003
Hi Deborah!! At three weeks post-op I had severe pain to the left of my belly button. The best I can describe would be to say it was a 'burning sensation'. It turned out to be a muscle spasm and went away on it's own.
   — Shelly T.