Question:
Which is the more painful of the surgeries?

I am planning on having an Open RNY. I've had 3 abdominal surgeries (2 c-sections and a hysterectomy). How are they in relation to WLS - pain-wise? Thank you!    — Peri B. (posted on August 4, 1999)

August 4, 1999
I also had 2 c-sections before i had an open rny....for me, the pain was worse with the rny simply because of how you are cut. With the c-sections I had a bikini cut but the open rny cut was from the breastbone to the bellybutton. The pain wasn't unbearable but worse, it takes a little longer to recover from. But dont you , you can do it!
   — Julie M.

August 4, 1999
I don't htink you get as big a PRIZE as what you got from your c-sections. But the prixe is well worth the discomfort. For me, the hystie was way easier, but then, I was at one of my momentary thin periods and it is lower abdomen. Upper abdominal surgeries are more uncomfy, but not necessarily PAINFUL. Mostly muscle pain. They part your muscles like a curtain, so naturally, it's your worst gardening day ever! All the c-section folks I've talked to say this is WAY easier than the babies! It is SO worth it. The immediate after-tenderness shrinks so fast in your memory as you go through the excitement of new sizes, new tricks (crossing your legs), etc.
   — vitalady

August 4, 1999
What a coincidence I have had exactly the same 3 surgeries, plus of course the gastric bypass. I had stopped taking pain medicine for the bypass the day I left the hospital. Everyone is different and the pain never bothered me much at all. It is definitely tender but you will be fine if you got through the other 3. Good luck.
   — Rhonda B.

August 4, 1999
Much, much more painful than you think. If it's anything that I went through, your belly will feel like it's dropping to the floor. I have had 4 C-sections and would gladly go through a c-section again. It also depends on your pain tolerance. Unfortunatly I am very sensitive to pain.
   — Lorraine R.

August 4, 1999
Peri--I have also had a c-section--and I'm 4 weeks postop with an open RNY. To be honest, I've had VERY LITTLE pain with the RNY--I stopped all pain meds on the 3rd day after surgery. I just didn't need them. The only time I've been uncomfortable (but not in pain) is accidentally rolling over in bed at night. (oh, yes, and sneezing hurt for about one week after surgery) I'm driving, no problem. So, my experience has been good. Good luck to you! Charlene
   — charlene M.

August 7, 1999
I have the same as you 2 c-sections and a hysterectomy, this WLS is about the same kind of pain I did not think it was any worse or any better than the others. When you get ready for a tummy tuck it is more painful but worth it.
   — Kim C.

September 3, 1999
i am 2 weeks post op from wls. the pain was fairly strong while i was in the hospital especially when i had to cough. i was walking the halls the day of my surgery and am now very close to being back to normal. i was very frightened of the pain i might have and it was not nearly as bad as i had prepared myself for it to be.
   — mary M.