Question:
What is the pain compared to an open gallbladder surgery

Hi, anyone out there have the old kind of gallbladder surgery, you know, the open kind and have also had an open ryn. How would you compare the pain of gallbladder surgery to and open ryn? I am scheduled for an open ryn on April l4th and I know everyone has different pain but just kinda would like to know what to expect so I won't be totally surprised. Thanks    — Maureen C. (posted on April 1, 2003)

April 1, 2003
I had an open Gallbladder surgery around 13 years ago and when I was having my RNY I asked the same question. I think it is very much the same. The first 3 days are the hardest - you know, trying to sit up in bed and walk the first few times. it does get better. I used several of the techniques I did then - how to roll out of bed, using a pillow to prop myself up. Good luck - and remember - it does get better. I'm freaking out because I keep hearing that a TT is worse than WLS surgery. Not sure i want to go through more pain when the time comes. we shall see. Again, good luck to you.
   — Sharon O.

April 1, 2003
Maureen, I know about the gall baldder surgery you're referring to how-ever I had mine taken out Laporsopic,. You were referencing the pain, ......... versus Open RYN.. I just recently about 3 months ago had my gall bladder taken out, and it was done lap, I think I was in much more pain from the Lap gall bladder removal then the Open RYN that I have May of last year.... It's a breeze, I was up and walking 1 hour after surgery.... then after that every 2 hours.... I didn't feel any pain, a little discomfort, seeing I'm a side sleeper, and I wasn't able to lay on my side, so the back hurt a little, I brought a heating pad for the back/butt, and it helped with the pain brought on from sleeping on it.... but other then that no pain here.... and the scar livable, I went in knowing I'd have the open, so there were no surprises, cause that's what I opted for, less major, more minor problems, I figured I could live with any minor ones that came my way, Here I am 10 months post op and down 127 pounds... Totally loving it ! Girl You'll be just fine .... God Bless
   — tannedtigress

April 1, 2003
Maureen, I have a little different story to tell. 2 years ago I had my gall bladder removed the LAP way. They told me to take a week off work and that would be plenty of time to recover. WRONG. I was in so much pain, I was in the hospital a 2 time (nothing found) and ended up staying home for an entire 4 weeks before I could even make it through the day without lots of pain meds. So when I had my R n Y, they had to do it open. I had a lot of complications, not really complications but they had to do a lot more work in there since I had a similar surgery 25 years prior. When I woke up, I had the exact same pain as I did with my gall bladder surgery. I was sent home after 6 days, but they had to check me back in hospital after being home for only 2 days due to so much pain. I couldn't stand it. I was in there for another 6 days, they ran all kinds of test, but again, found nothing irregular after surgery. They sent me home again and I lay in bed, in total agony for 10 days. I cried! and I am 44 year old man! I honestly wanted to die. Then on the 11th day, I woke up and actually felt like a person again, still lots of pain but much more manageable. All this time I had a bottle of "Lor-Tab" which work wonders for pain but it's a narcatic and they don't just keep perscribing it out. Right now, I only use it when needed and that is at night. I take a teaspoon at bedtime and that will allow me to sleep through the night without waking up due to pain. Today is the 14th day I have been home and I still have pain, but it's very dull and a "healing" type of pain. I can live with it. Yesterday I had a Dr. appointment and he said I was doing very well considering all they had to do to me inside. He said a few more weeks and I should be pain free. I hope this doesn't scare you or anything. MOST everyone I have chatted with is home in about 4 or 5 day with no or very little pain. I guess I was just the exception. Take care and good luck. Frank
   — xxxxx X.

April 1, 2003
Maureen, I had my gallbladder out open and had my rny open on March 5th. I think that the pain was the same, I had an edge I knew how to get my self out of bed, by having my gallbladder surgery. I am 12 years older now than then, but I feel that I healed better this time, no stiches just tape, plus they gave me a binder that helped a lot. Good luck with your surgery, and everyday you do feel better, I went to WalMart a day after I got home. Mary Ann
   — Mary Ann C.