Question:
What is average healing time?

Hello everyone. I had the RNY (open) surgery on March 5th.This was also a "revision" as I had a similar surgery 20 years ago. I went home on March 12th. Had to go back to hospital on March 14th due to pain in the entire stomach area. Stayed another 5 days with lots of tests. No leakeage anywhere and all seemed okay. Anyway I have been back home for a little over a week now and to be honest don't feel all that much better. My stomach area still feels "wierd" with a minor amount of constant pain. It's not a severe pain, but just enough that I feel it all day and KNOW it's there. Does this sound "normal" to some of you? Some people say they were up and ready to go back to work in a week. I can't imagine even thinking of going back to work in the near future without some drastic change. Normally I am very active person, love to be outdoors motorcycle riding, camping, that type of stuff. But now all I want to do is stay home where I feel safe and stay in bed. Is this normal and if so for how long? Thanks for any info Frank [email protected]    — xxxxx X. (posted on March 27, 2003)

March 27, 2003
Frank... It took 6weeks before I could go back to work and about 10 weeks to feel as good as I did before surgery. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

March 27, 2003
Frank, I was in the ER right after my surgery thinking something was wrong as well. I never had surgery before, but I could definately say I've never felt pain like that. I've heard of others being fine and not taking pain pills after they got home. Boy are they lucky! I was on pain pills for atleast a month, my stomach always hurt, I had shoulder pain alot due to the excess gas from LAP, I was a mess! It may take a few months to get comlpetely back to normal, but you will! As my surgeon put it, we are probably just more sensitive than others. (Although I normally could w/stand any pain, had a high threshold for pain) But I think you are normal, just may take longer, but it will start to get better, then will get easier every day. Goodluck to you, and hope you feel better soon!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 27, 2003
Frank, I had surgery 3 weeks ago and I had the most incredible pain for the first week. The second week started out with a pain in my left side every time I took a breath. The pain in my stomach at that point was equal to the feeling of being kicked hard. Now, the pain is gone and I can sleep on my stomach finally. Are you wearing a binder? I found that wearing one gave me support and comfort. Good luck!
   — Sandy P.

March 27, 2003
Thanks guys so much for the answers. I guess it sounds like I am "normal". It's just strange, when I had this surgery 20 some years ago (I was 18) I was up and about and hanging with my friends within 3 weeks after the surgery date. I felt just fine. But now..... god I guess it sucks to get older! Healing time is not as quick..... Thanks again Frank
   — xxxxx X.