I had surgery on May 12. I was told that pain in the side is where they made the incision through the muscle to remove your stomach. I had the same pain and it eventually went away. If you feel like you are too full or it is stomach gas, chewing gum really helped. DO NOT SWALLOW. I know some doctors say no on that but mine said it was okay if I was certain not to swallow it. Also, walking and getting your fluids in will help with constipation, along with a daily stool softener.